Combined Authority’s Investment Committee progresses seven schemes

7 January 2021

West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Investment Committee has backed seven schemes at its latest meeting. The schemes are set to support inclusive economic growth, including the creation of hundreds of new jobs, as well as improving transport links throughout the region, meaning people will be better connected to employment opportunities, education and services.

The Committee approved to progress plans for:

Leeds Public Transport Investment Programme (LPTIP)

Members approved plans as part of the LPTIP, which commenced in 2017. Part one of the programme was approved to progress by members earlier today (Thursday 7 January 2021), which includes a variety of bus and rail improvement packages that aim to deliver economic growth by unlocking transport constraints, improve public transport journey times and usage and improve health outcomes by reducing overall transport emissions.

Corridor improvement schemes, funded by the West Yorkshire Plus Transport Fund

Schemes to improve transport infrastructure across the region were also progressed. Projects include improvement to the Huddersfield Southern Corridors and improvements along the A61 North Eastern arm, as well as improvements to a section of the A629 to the south of Halifax town centre. The three schemes are designed to improve bus and cycling measures and encourage more sustainable travel.

A64 Regent Street Bridge

The scheme seeks to replace the existing structure of the Regent Street Bridge section of the flyover in Leeds city centre due to its continued deterioration. Members approved the progression of the scheme, which is critical to supporting the economic growth of the Leeds City Region.

One City Park

The £7.5 million project, which will create new office space in the heart of Bradford city centre and support the wider regeneration of the area, was approved by members during the meeting. Scheme is expected to create 300 constructions jobs and another 452 jobs once complete. 

Enterprise Zone at Parry Lane

The proposed £1.2 million development of the Enterprise Zone at Parry Lane in Bradford, which will openup more land to meet industry demand, was approved earlier today (Thursday 7 January 2021). It is expected that the scheme will bring a further 400 jobs once completed.  

Cllr Denise Jeffery, Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Investment Committee and Leader of Wakefield Council, said: “Given the current climate with the pandemic, a national lockdown and the uncertainty that many of our communities are facing, it’s hugely important that schemes like these ones are progressed so that our region is in a better position to bounce back following COVID-19.

“These schemes are designed to improve people’s standards of living, generate real economic development, create jobs and better connect people to new opportunities.”