A major property conference in Leeds, West Yorkshire, was an appropriate setting to announce plans for a new mayoral development zone (MDZ) intended to turbocharge the city centre’s transformation.
West Yorkshire mayor, Tracy Brabin made the announcement during her keynote speech this week at the UK Real Estate and Infrastructure Investment Forum (UKREiiF). The proposal marks a major milestone for the city’s future.
Subject to approval by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, the MDZ establishes a groundbreaking partnership between Leeds City Council, the combined authority, Homes England and central government, bringing local, regional, and national partners together under a single, coordinated approach.
The proposed MDZ would cover a broad area across Leeds city centre, and include the regeneration of Leeds South Bank. Ambitious plans toward the south of the railway station – stretching from the prospective British Library North site at Temple Works, through to the Tiltyard development at the Royal Armouries Museum – will support the creation and delivery of around 20,000 new homes, as well as new jobs, major new public spaces, cultural destinations and commercial development, all underpinned by a multibillion-pound investment in local transport infrastructure.
Brabin said: “As one of the fastest growing cities in the UK, Leeds is an engine for growth, and will fly even further thanks to devolution and our strong regional partnership.
“Our proposals bring together the powers, partners and investment needed to deliver a new chapter for Leeds – one with the homes, jobs and opportunities that local people need and deserve.
“From Temple Works to the Royal Armouries, we are building a city that works for all, and sending a powerful message to investors that West Yorkshire is where opportunity lives.”
In the zone
At the heart of the plans is the continued transformation of Leeds South Bank, comprised of nationally significant developments such as the Royal Armouries Tiltyard project, Elland Road, Leeds South Village and Aire Park.
The South Bank has been identified by the government as a potential area in the New Towns programme, with proposals subject to consultation and final assessment by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). New Town status would accelerate progress in this area, allowing the city to go further and faster to create new neighbourhoods, green spaces, cultural venues and commercial hubs, alongside public services such as schools and GP surgeries.
The MDZ will provide the framework for pace to deliver the ambitions set out in Leeds’ Economic Vision and the region’s Local Growth Plan. A new board, chaired by Mayor Brabin for the first month and then by an independent chair, will oversee delivery and align infrastructure investment and decision-making to ensure a single, coherent strategy for growth. The board will comprise key partner organisations including the Combined Authority, Leeds City Council, Homes England and the Leeds Growth Team.
The board will oversee a shared delivery plan that prioritises projects, coordinates funding and supports land assembly in a way that maintains existing planning powers and democratic accountability, while also providing a simplified single front door for developers and investors.
By bringing public and private sector partners together, the MDZ is intended to create the conditions to unlock economic development at scale, by ensuring that housing, transport, infrastructure investment and economic growth are delivered in collaboration rather than isolation.
The partners will also continue to work with the government on opportunities to accelerate delivery through the Integrated Settlement Framework and the proposed City Densification Fund, which is said could help unlock even more infrastructure and housing development at scale and at speed.
Full potential
Councillor James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council, said: “Our city has real momentum, with major regeneration and infrastructure delivery well underway, and these new proposals will bring together the partners we need to go further, faster.
“We are already delivering transformational change across the South Bank, Elland Road and the city centre, creating new neighbourhoods, jobs, public spaces and professional opportunities for people across Leeds.
“Through this innovative partnership, we can build on that momentum to deliver growth at scale, strengthen our economy and create places where people genuinely want to live, work and spend time in.
“This announcement is a major vote of confidence in Leeds’ track record of delivery, our partnership with the government and Homes England, and in our national significance as an economic powerhouse.”
Steve Reed, secretary of state for housing, communities and local government, said: “We know Leeds is already one of the country’s fastest growing cities and the government is backing local leaders to go even further in unlocking its full potential.
“A new Mayoral Development Zone will shape the future of Leeds – with tens of thousands of new homes, thousands more good jobs, and well-connected communities.”
Main image: Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, and Councillor James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council
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