South Bank plans to double Leeds city centre set to go to the public

THE regeneration of the South Bank area of Leeds as councillors prepare to put the transformative plans to the public.

The development could double the size of Leeds city centre if they are approved.

Leeds City councillors have been asked to approve a three-month public consultation beginning in August.

The plans include the redevelopment of Leeds Station into the Yorkshire Hub, which the council and developers hope will turn the station into a major transport interchange.

The public consultation will seek the views of the public on the development, which is set to provide 35,000 jobs and more than 4,000 homes in the city centre.

Companies including Vastint, Burberry , Citu and CEG have already committed more than £500m worth of investment into the area in the last year according to the council.

Planning permissions have been granted for 1,000 homes and the £125m Climate Innovation District.

Leader of Leeds City Council Councillor Judith Blake said: “The hugely exciting potential around South Bank Leeds means it is an incredible opportunity to regenerate and transform the area into a vibrant, modern and attractive place to live, learn, work and visit.

“We have already seen some success in the area with businesses of all shapes and sizes heading there. Further development will help drive job creation for local people for many years to come and will be a massive boost to the city and wider regional economy.

“All of those benefits only happen, however, if we get the plans right and that is why it is vital we get the views from as many people as possible to find out what they think.

“Integrating and linking the South Bank fully with surrounding communities and the wider city is essential, along with the connections to the transport network and maximising the redeveloped Leeds Station. So we look forward to the public consultation taking place to find out people’s views.”