Updating Status: Insights from Leeds' Progression
In the heart of West Yorkshire, the city of Leeds is embarking on a transformative journey towards greater prosperity. This journey, known as the 'levelling up' agenda, is a long-term commitment to bringing economic growth and improved living standards to the north.
The vision for Leeds, unveiled in the March Budget, paints a picture of a city centre that will grow and prosper over the next decade. Key to this vision is devolution, a transformative public transport system, funding for homes, neighbourhoods, cultural investment, and a regeneration partnership.
Tracy Brabin, elected as Mayor of West Yorkshire in May 2021, is leading this charge. The Mayor, along with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, has demonstrated an ability to provide a comprehensive overview for region-wide discussions.
One of the most significant commitments to the north's untapped potential was made in 2024. This includes the proposed Mass Transit Phase 1, which aims to benefit 675,000 people within the top 20% most deprived communities within West Yorkshire. The new tram network is intended to extend further, connecting Pontefract, Wakefield, Halifax, and Huddersfield, opening up new inner city brownfield sites and making out-of-town schemes more viable.
The Mass Transit system's Phase 1 proposal includes four phased corridor projects to be delivered by 2040: East Leeds, South Leeds to Dewsbury, Bradford to Leeds, and Bradford to Dewsbury. The West Yorkshire Combined Authority has committed to delivering up to 20,000 new homes as part of this regeneration.
However, the full impact of the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act (LURA), enacted in October 2021, is still emerging. The Act aims to empower local regions through greater devolution and structured reforms to reduce regional inequality, boost economic growth, and support housing development. While housing plans are emphasized in national policy, specific data indicating their success or progress in Leeds has not yet been published.
The Act also includes provisions to accelerate housebuilding and simplify planning, with the intent to meet national housing targets. Regulatory reforms in the financial sector, such as the Leeds Reforms, aimed at reducing regulatory burden and accelerating change, may indirectly contribute to economic dynamism in Leeds, especially within the financial services sector.
The creation of a greener, more inclusive, and better-connected transport system will support economic development in Leeds. Significant developments, such as the cancellation and lifting of safeguarding on the HS2 Phase 2b Eastern Leg near Leeds, have created both challenges and opportunities. The government is preparing to dispose of over 550 properties along this former rail route starting in 2026.
Communities in the north generally support suitable, sustainable growth. The West Yorkshire Combined Authority will be the main facilitator of economic growth, with the new Leeds Transformational Regeneration Partnership playing a crucial role in this endeavour. The vision includes plans for transformational regeneration across six key city centre neighbourhoods, investment in transport infrastructure, and recognition of cultural anchor institutions for regeneration and growth in Leeds.
In conclusion, the journey towards levelling up Leeds is underway. While the full impact of the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act is still emerging, the city is making significant strides towards its vision of a greener, more inclusive, and better-connected future. The West Yorkshire Combined Authority, under the leadership of Mayor Tracy Brabin, is committed to delivering the necessary changes to make this vision a reality.
- The 'levelling up' agenda in Leeds involves a commitment by the local government to devolution, regeneration, and improving housing and neighbourhoods, as stated in the March Budget.
- Tracy Brabin, as the Mayor of West Yorkshire, is leading the charge for the transformation of the city, working alongside the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
- A significant commitment to the north's potential includes the proposed Mass Transit Phase 1, which aimed to benefit deprived communities and contribute to a regeneration partnership, as part of the vision for Leeds.
- The Levelling Up and Regeneration Act (LURA), enacted in October 2021, aims to empower local regions like West Yorkshire, promoting housing development, streamlining planning, and reducing regional inequality.
