Five key projects that could change Leeds this year - including Elland Road upgrade
2026 is set to be another year of change for the people of Leeds.
At the end of 2025, Leeds City Council launched an ambitious Economic Vision outlining the opportunity to generate £20billion in economic growth and create 100,000 new jobs in the city, and are now ready to move from vision to delivery this year.
Today, a report detailing the updates around several nationally significant programmes and schemes will be presented to Leeds City Council’s Executive Board with a recommendation to endorse the approaches and support the work that needs to be undertaken to progress delivery.
“In Leeds we have a major series of growth opportunities that together to form one of the most ambitious transformation pipelines anywhere in the UK. This year we are ready and prepped to shift into delivery – we have our vision in place, backed by strong partnerships and the ambition to grow our city for the benefit of everyone,” Coun Jonathan Pryor.
“We are creating opportunities that are backed nationally by government, and look to secure long-term, locally led investment at scale – with the Mayoral Development Zone forming a key part of our plans.”
Core to the delivery of a number of the projects is the idea of a Mayoral Development Zone (MDZ) which would see the council with West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Homes England coming together to drive and oversee the delivery of the Leeds Transformational Regeneration areas, including the proposed New Town with an advisory board made up of regeneration and development experts.
Key projects that are set to move forward this year include the expansion of Elland Road and proposals to build a new town in Leeds South Bank. Here are five key projects that could change the city this year...
The Leeds City Fund
Announced by government in the Autumn Budget, the Leeds City Fund scheme, which will be administered locally, will allow Leeds to retain 100% business rates growth for 25 years.
It is hoped that this will open up a new fund for infrastructure that could unlock and accelerate developments in the city centre. It is on track for government to sign off this Spring.
The Royal Armouries Tiltyard
The Royal Armouries Tiltyard is a pilot City Fund project, and a significant cultural and conferencing milestone which will see a significant upgrade to capacity and visitor experience.
The project has the potential to generate over £700million GVA over the lifetime of the project, as well as supporting upwards of 400 jobs and attracting 300,000 additional visors annually.
Elland Road
A refreshed planning statement sets out one of the most significant development opportunities in the country with the potential to deliver a multi-billion-pound boost to the city’s economy and provide around 2,000 new homes for the city as well as creating a series of innovate leisure, education, public realm and commercial opportunities.
Alongside the planning approval for increased capacity at the Elland Road stadium. City Council are working with experienced property developers, Lowy Family Group, on the opportunity beyond the stadium who have delivered major regeneration schemes across the world is really showcasing what sports-led regeneration can do for a city.
Proposed New Town in South Bank Leeds
Leeds City Council will work with government on the opportunity with the national New Town Programme is a national priority and flagship programme, of which South Bank Leeds is shortlisted for.
The programme aims to deliver at least 300,000 homes across 12 shortlisted locations.
Temple Works
Working with Homes England, Leeds is preparing to unlock a once in a generation regeneration opportunity around the Grade listed Temple Works.
The project along will unlock the delivery of over 3,000 homes, over 100,000 sq ft. of commercial space as well as the potential of a new British Library North.