Mayor Tracy Brabin and Cllr James Lewis propose new Mayoral Development Zone to accelerate Leeds’ city centre transformation

Plans to accelerate the growth of one of the UK's fastest growing cities have taken a major step forward today (19 May), as city leaders unveil a bold new proposal to establish a Mayoral Development Zone (MDZ) – a move set to supercharge the already ambitious plans for one of the largest regeneration areas in Europe.

Announced by West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin during a keynote speech at UKREiiF – the UK’s largest investment and infrastructure conference, hosted in Leeds for a fifth consecutive year – the proposal marks a major milestone for the city’s future. Subject to approval by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, the MDZ establishes a groundbreaking partnership between Leeds City Council, the Combined Authority, Homes England and central government, bringing local, regional, and national partners together under a single, coordinated approach.

The proposed MDZ would cover a broad area across Leeds city centre, and include the regeneration of Leeds South Bank. Ambitious plans toward the south of the railway station – stretching from the prospective British Library North site at Temple Works, through to the Tiltyard development at the Royal Armouries Museum – will support the creation and delivery of around 20,000 new homes, as well as new jobs, major new public spaces, cultural destinations and commercial development, all underpinned by a multibillion-pound investment in local transport infrastructure.  

At the heart of the plans is the continued transformation of Leeds South Bank, comprised of nationally significant developments such as the Royal Armouries Tiltyard project, Elland Road, Leeds South Village and Aire Park. The South Bank has been identified by the government as a potential area in the New Towns programme, with proposals subject to consultation and final assessment by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). New Town status would accelerate progress in this area, allowing the city to go further and faster to create new neighbourhoods, green spaces, cultural venues and commercial hubs, alongside public services such as schools and GP surgeries.

The MDZ will provide the framework for pace to deliver the ambitions set out in Leeds’ Economic Vision and the region’s Local Growth Plan. A new board, chaired by Mayor Tracy Brabin for the first month and then by an independent chair, will oversee delivery and align infrastructure investment and decision-making to ensure a single, coherent strategy for growth. The board will comprise key partner organisations including the Combined Authority, Leeds City Council, Homes England and the Leeds Growth Team.

The board will oversee a shared delivery plan that prioritises projects, coordinates funding and supports land assembly in a way that maintains existing planning powers and democratic accountability, while also providing a simplified single front door for developers and investors.

By bringing public and private sector partners together, the MDZ will create the conditions to unlock economic development at scale, by ensuring that housing, transport, infrastructure investment and economic growth are delivered in collaboration rather than isolation. Crucially, it will help create places which people are truly proud to call home, while ensuring the benefits of growth are felt by communities across Leeds and West Yorkshire.

The partners will also continue to work with the government on opportunities to accelerate delivery through the Integrated Settlement Framework and the proposed City Densification Fund, which could help unlock even more infrastructure and housing development at scale and at speed.

Tracy Brabin, West Yorkshire Mayor said:

"As one of the fastest growing cities in the UK, Leeds is an engine for growth, and will fly even further thanks to devolution and our strong regional partnership.

"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.

"From Temple Works to the Royal Armouries, we are building a city that works for all, and sending a powerful message to investors that West Yorkshire is where opportunity lives.

Cllr James Lewis, Leader of Leeds City Council, said:

"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.

“We are already delivering transformational change across the South Bank, Elland Road and the city centre, creating new neighbourhoods, jobs, public spaces and professional opportunities for people across Leeds.

“Through this innovative partnership, we can build on that momentum to deliver growth at scale, strengthen our economy and create places where people genuinely want to live, work and spend time in.

“This announcement is a major vote of confidence in Leeds’ track record of delivery, our partnership with the government and Homes England, and in our national significance as an economic powerhouse.”

Steve Reed, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, said:

"We know Leeds is already one of the country’s fastest growing cities and the government is backing local leaders to go even further in unlocking its full potential.  

“A new Mayoral Development Zone will shape the future of Leeds – with tens of thousands of new homes, thousands more good jobs, and well-connected communities.”

The MDZ proposals come at a pivotal moment for Leeds, as the city continues to build momentum as one of the UK’s fastest growing major cities. With a pipeline of major projects underway – from the delivery of its multibillion-pound Innovation Arc connecting its universities, to the expansion of its Northern Square Mile of financial and professional services firms – Leeds has rapidly emerged as a nationally significant growth opportunity.

This growth will be further strengthened by transformational investment in West Yorkshire’s transport network, including the reintroduction of publicly controlled buses from 2027 and the delivery of a fully integrated Mass Transit system. Together with significant investment in rail and active travel, these developments promise to redefine life and work in Leeds and transform connections to jobs, education and opportunity across the region.

A historic £2.1 billion investment in transport infrastructure will play a vital role in unlocking new development sites across Leeds and West Yorkshire while supporting the scale of growth planned across the MDZ area. 

The creation of the MDZ sends a clear signal that Leeds has the ambition, leadership, partnerships and proven track record of delivery to be a trusted partner to the private sector. Home to major national institutions including the Bank of England, the National Wealth Fund and the Financial Conduct Authority, Leeds combines a strong and growing economy with a vibrant cultural scene, world-class universities and an outstanding quality of life.

Together, the partners say the Mayoral Development Zone represents not just a new delivery model, but a significant step forward in how regeneration is coordinated and delivered, helping Leeds to build on its existing momentum and accelerate one of the UK’s most exciting growth opportunities.

West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin speaking at UKREiiF

West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin with Leader of Leeds City Council Cllr James Lewis

West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin pictured with Leader of Leeds City Council Cllr James Lewis and Pat Ritchie CBE, Chair of Homes England