Work to begin on transforming key part of city centre

Work is set to start this weekend on transforming the public realm outside the Leeds Corn Exchange building.

It will see planted trees lining the streets to create a welcoming green space and shelter for wildlife, safer routes through for cyclists, and crossing points designed to assist pedestrians to navigate through the space safely.

Leeds City Council will also enter into a lease with the Corn Exchange and its owners Rushbond.

This is intended to create a Pavilion building alongside the new outdoor seating area in the public space outside Corn Exchange, capable of hosting outdoor events and activities along with al-fresco dining.

The building will be built by Rushbond and is subject to further planning approvals.

Rushbond is proposing a significant capital injection of funding into the overall scheme.

The rest of the project will be funded by part of the £8.6m of match funding from the government’s Getting Building Fund which is part of Leeds’ £12.2m Grey to Green programme.

Construction will be carried out by John Sisk & Son and is set to be complete by spring 2022. To support this work, the upper section of Call Lane will be closed to buses and private hire vehicles.

Councillor Helen Hayden, executive member for climate change, transport and sustainable development, said: “It is exciting to see this important project come to fruition in a bid to provide our beautiful Corn Exchange building a befitting setting.

“Removing excess street clutter, planting more greenery, providing safer routes for cyclists and improving the safety of the crossings will transform this key gateway into one which is central to a vibrant and independent retail, food, drink and day-time and nightlife offer.”