Leeds Mayoral Development Zone aims to boost new homes and Elland Road redevelopment
The Mayoral Development Zone would include major projects such as the prospective British Library North site at Temple Works, the Tiltyard development at the Royal Armouries Museum and also the expansion of Elland Road.
Plans for a Mayoral Development Zone in Leeds have been unveiled, which local leaders say would help accelerate 20,000 new homes for the city and boost major infrastructure projects like the redevelopment of Elland Road.
West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin announced the plans during her keynote speech today at UKREiiF, the country’s largest investment and infrastructure conference which has been hosted in Leeds for a fifth consecutive year.
The MDZ would cover Leeds City Centre and also Leeds South Bank, the former industrial area south of the Aire, in Holbeck and Hunslet, which has been slated as one of the Government’s so-called “new towns”.
It would include major developments such as the prospective British Library North site at Temple Works, the Tiltyard development at the Royal Armouries Museum and also the expansion of Elland Road.
The idea is to bring together the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Leeds City Council, Homes England and government agencies to simplify the process for developers and investors.
There would be a new board, chaired by Ms Brabin for the first month and then an independent candidate, which would oversee the MDZ’s delivery plan.
This would be in charge of prioritising projects and co-ordinating funding and land use.
It would also operate as a “simplified single front door for developers and investors”.
Ms Brabin believes that this will support some 20,000 new homes across the south of Leeds, as well as cultural spaces and commercial developments.
It should also help co-ordinate major projects, like the wider development of housing, hotels and transport around Leeds United’s expansion of Elland Road to 53,000.
Greater Manchester has previously seen success by bringing in an MDZ around Old Trafford.
Ms Brabin 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.”
The MDZ has had backing from the Government, with Housing Secretary Steve Reed set to appear at UKREiiF today.
Mr Reed 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.”
Coun 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.”