Regeneration work starts on Kirkgate in Leeds

Visitors of Leeds’ Kirkgate can look forward to a new public realm, with wider pavements and upgraded bus shelters, as regeneration of the area begins.

These regeneration works build on a £25m highways project to transform the area around the city’s Corn Exchange building.

The Corn Exchange Scheme is part of the Connecting Leeds programme, which aims to reduce through traffic in the city, improve journey times and create appealing alternatives to car travel.

Cllr Helen Hayden, Leeds City Council’s executive member for infrastructure and climate, said: ‘It’s fantastic to see this project progressing well. I would like to thank anyone that has been impacted by the works so far for your patience during any disruption caused and I know that the work we are doing here will make a positive difference to Leeds when it’s complete.

‘The ambitious plans to reduce the highway on Meadow Lane in favour of creating green space will aim to help the council meet our Best City ambition by creating an opportunity for a world class public space that improves the environment, encourages more city centre living and provides better walking and cycling routes. This work forms part of the works we have already done to transform the city centre into an even better place to visit, building on the work done on the newly transformed Headrow and Cookridge Street.

‘Leeds City Council has set targets to become net zero by 2030 and we are hopeful that schemes such as this one will help us achieve them.’

The Corn Exchange scheme will introduce priority measures for pedestrians, cyclists and buses, safer crossings and segregated cycle facilities, alongside a separate project that will transform the area in front of the Corn Exchange into a green space for events and outdoor seating.

The Council hope these regeneration works will contribute towards tackling the climate emergency and the Council’s ambition to increase bus use.

In related news, plans to develop a new British library site for audiences and users in the North of England will take a step forward next week, as senior councillors in Leeds are asked to invest £5m in protecting and stabilising Temple Works.

Photo supplied by Leeds City Council