Leeds Council seeks opinions on Mabgate regeneration framework

People in Leeds are being encouraged to give feedback on an action plan for the future regeneration of Mabgate, to explore the area’s potential for growth.

The area was key to the city’s industrial revolution and has been transformed into a diverse community in recent years, providing crucial links to the city centre for people in Lincoln Green and Burmantofts, and with a range of brownfield sites that landowners are exploring the possibility of developing, including a potential new Leeds City College campus.

The public engagement exercise will consider how to deliver improved connections to Lincoln Green and Burmantofts, how the local area will respond to the climate emergency, and how to provide new public spaces and walking and cycling routes to help make Mabgate more attractive and accessible.

The framework will also look at how to better connect people with jobs, training and learning, and how to ensure that arts and culture continue to thrive in the area as new investment arrives.

Cllr Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s executive member for economy, culture and education, said: ‘Mabgate is a vibrant, fascinating community with a can-do spirit that embodies some of the finest qualities of the city of Leeds as a whole.

‘As the city centre grows, we want to make sure the area’s independent arts scene continues to thrive for many, many years to come. That is why we are in the process of planning this new regeneration framework, which will play a vital role in shaping a Mabgate that showcases the very best of our creative industries.’

The new action plan will support the delivery of the East Street Arts-led neighbourhood plan for Mabgate, Lincoln Green and Burmantofts, which has been in development since 2017 and is designed to help create future development in those areas.

Helen Moore, East Street Arts’ engagement lead, said: ‘At East Street Arts we are committed to being a good neighbour to the other residents and businesses in Mabgate, Lincoln Green and Burmantofts. We have been fortunate enough to be involved in the first-ever arts and culture-led neighbourhood plan for this area and bringing together a brilliant forum. We look forward to seeing the progression of the framework and how this will benefit the community.’

In related news, 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.

Photo supplied by Leeds City Council