Regeneration plan 'a new chapter for city' - mayor

Plans to create thousands of homes, jobs and public spaces in Leeds city centre have been unveiled by the region's mayor, who said they would "deliver a new chapter" for the city.

Tracy Brabin outlined proposals to fast-track regeneration schemes, with a major focus on the South Bank area, by establishing a Mayoral Development Zone (MDZ).

They include building about 20,000 new homes, transport infrastructure and commercial development.

Brabin said: "Our proposals bring together the powers, partners and investment needed to deliver a new chapter for Leeds - one with the homes, jobs and opportunities that local people need and deserve."

Subject to approval by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, the MDZ would be made up of a partnership between Leeds City Council, the combined authority, the government and its development agency Homes England.

They would work together under a "single, coordinated approach", the combined authority said.

It said "at the heart of the plans" was the continued transformation of the South Bank, with major projects including the expansion of Leeds United's Elland Road stadium and the Aire Park scheme - a development of new homes, offices and a city park.

It also includes plans to create a new urban village with 2,000 homes.

The combined authority said the MDZ would be made up of a central board who would decide which projects happen first, line up funding sources and coordinate land for development.

It confirmed funding would come through a mixture of government money to prepare sites and infrastructure along with private investment to build them.

Councillor James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council, said the announcement was a "major vote of confidence" in "our national significance as an economic powerhouse".

"Our city has real momentum, with major regeneration and infrastructure delivery well underway, and these new proposals will bring together the partners we need to go further, faster," he said.

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