Progress to transform key city centre route

Leeds City Council have released a new animation which shows how the £30m Headrow scheme will look once completed in spring 2021.

The project forms part of the Connecting Leeds programme which aims to transform transport in the city centre into gateways for bus users, pedestrians and cyclists, while continuing to provide access for businesses.

It includes public realm improvements, bus priority measures, more greenery, safer cycle ways and crossings and wider pavements.

District Heating pipes have been installed between Eastgate and Oxford Place, which will transfer energy from waste processed at the Veolia RERF facility.

They will eventually provide low carbon heat and water for some businesses and major city centre public buildings including the museum, Town Hall and Civic Hall in addition to almost 1,000 homes that have already been connected to the scheme.

The council says cutting the number of cars on the Headrow will ensure buses will be more reliable, which will in turn encourage more people on to public transport.

Leeds City Council executive member for climate change, transport and sustainable development, Councillor Lisa Mulherin, said: “I am thrilled to see this exciting scheme making progress and would firstly like to offer my thanks to people for their patience over the past year while we have carried out this crucial work.

“Without the co-operation from residents, workers, bus drivers, cyclists and pedestrians the success of this scheme would not have been possible.

“As well as creating a more attractive public realm, offering priority to buses, widening pavements for pedestrians and creating safer cycle ways, the Leeds PIPES district heating works will also enable the connection of homes and businesses to low carbon heating.

“These will all make a positive contribution to help tackle the climate emergency.

“As shops, cafes and businesses continue to reopen and the city centre sees more people again, we will continue to work with our partners and bus operators to minimise disruption as much as possible.

“But we would like to remind people to plan ahead for their journeys, to respect the rules on public transport around wearing masks and consider walking or cycling for shorter journeys if you can.”