Headrow City Centre Gateway scheme for Leeds backed

9 January 2019

At its meeting today, West Yorkshire Combined Authority's Investment Committee backed development funding for a £20.7 million Headrow City Centre Gateway, to transform an area at the busy heart of Leeds city centre.

Covering an area that includes The Headrow, Westgate, Vicar Lane, New Briggate, Cookridge Street, Harrison Street and Eastgate, the Headrow City Centre Gateway scheme includes improvements to bus, pedestrian and cycling infrastructure and overall public environment.

 

Cycle lanes & pedestrian crossings

New, protected cycle lanes, improved pedestrian crossings and new public spaces are included in the scheme, which is due to be completed by June 2020. The scheme will also include changes to the road layout and the removal of the central reserve, footpath and the reallocation of some on-street parking, loading and taxi provision, along with some re-routing of buses.

By improving bus reliability and punctuality, The Headrow City Centre Gateway scheme will help increase public transport use, in line with Leeds City Council's target of doubling the number of bus users in just seven years. The scheme, which is being funded through the £270 million Leeds Public Transport Investment Programme will also improve local air quality and encourage active travel.

 

Improving facilities

Cllr Peter Box, Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority's Investment Committee said: "This is a scheme designed to support economic growth that will benefit everyone, reduce carbon emissions, tackle congestion by encouraging the use of public transport and improving facilities for cyclists and pedestrians and provide a better overall environment for people working and visiting Leeds city centre.

Cllr Richard Lewis, Leeds City Council's executive member for regeneration, transport and planning, said: "This multi-million pound development of one of our key gateways in the city centre will see huge improvements around The Headrow and streets nearby. The scheme will allow for improvements to public transport reliability as well as air quality, and the added benefit of the creation of more attractive and improved public realm in line with our recently launched Leeds Our Spaces Strategy."

Today's Investment Committee meeting backed £500,000 to develop the project to full business case stage.

More detailed plans for the scheme will be made public for a further consultation on the scheme, scheduled for March this year.