Leeds’ biggest borough town to receive ‘once-in-a-generation investment’

Leeds City Council has announced Morley will be awarded £24.3m in funding following it’s town development proposal to Towns Fund.

Set up in 2019, Towns Fund invited 101 places to develop a proposal for a Town Deal, as part of the government’s levelling up scheme.

Leeds City Council worked with Morley Town Deal Board on a Town Investment Plan, prioritising local residents by asking them what they wanted to see in the town.

The West Yorkshire town comprised plans which include improving public safety and creating greener spaces by planting more trees and flowers around the town centre. Specific focus will be on Queens Street.

Additionally, the town will focus on developing local parks, playgrounds and public rights of way.

Cllr Helen Hayden, Leeds City Council’s Executive Member for Infrastructure and Climate said: ‘The Town Investment Plan is real opportunity to build a better future for Morley.

‘Not only will these plans bring essential health, environmental and transport improvements, they will deliver excellent education and job opportunities for the future.’

Methods of travel for pedestrians and cyclists will also be improved, as routes to help people access highways will be refined and better junctions and crossings will be created to increase safety.

Connections between the town centre, Morley Train Station and White Rose will also be constructed.  

The town is also set to become more technology focused – plans for a White Rose Innovation Hub are in motion which will provide skills training and offer job opportunities to locals and businesses.

Businesses will be offered the new heritage grant scheme to invest in shop fronts and to restore the historic buildings along Queens Street.

Andrea Jenkyns, Morley MP said: ‘Central government’s £24.3m, once-in-a-generation investment into Morley, looks to bolster our local offering and ensure that our economy, our high street and our town goes from strength to strength.

‘Decisions must prioritise the wants and wishes of the people of Morley.’

Morley Town Deal Board is set to hold a public drop-in event on November 19, 2022, to encourage people to find more out about the scheme and ask any questions.

As the funding for the project is confirmed, it is due to start in 2023 and work is expected to last until 2026. 

Photo by Lison Zhao