New plans have been revealed to improve transport and create more public space near the Corn Exchange in Leeds, easing traffic flow as well as improving air quality in the area.
Updated plans to transform the Corn Exchange City Centre Gateway in Leeds were revealed at the beginning of October. The scheme includes improving bus journeys, walking and cycling within the city centre, plus increasing public space.
Councillor Lisa Mulherin, Leeds City Council’s executive member for climate change, regeneration, transport and planning, commented: “Enabling more people to use public transport, cycling and walking are an essential part of helping to tackle our climate emergency. These plans show huge improvements for public transport reliability, reducing delays and giving buses priority to easily get through the city centre.
“They will also make it easier for people to move about by foot or by bike. We’re also keen to see what people think about proposals for more car free public spaces and outdoor recreation. Our aim is to transform our city into a greener and more attractive place, with fewer vehicles and cleaner air, for everyone’s benefit.”
Improving transport
The transport plans involve the area around the Corn Exchange, including Lower Briggate, Call Lane and Meadow Lane. Some nearby bus stops will be relocated to areas with wider footways for passengers to wait. Additionally, bus-only restrictions will be implemented to improve journey reliability and punctuality, in addition to making it easier for buses to navigate the city centre.
These plans will help Leeds City Council reach its goal of doubling the number of bus journeys in the next 10 years. It’s part of the Connecting Leeds strategy, which is a wider transport strategy aiming to improve traffic flow, pedestrian crossings, cycle lanes and air quality.
New trains have been introduced recently to the city, and the Leeds rail station is currently undergoing improvements as well. Improving transport in Leeds is key to boosting the property market, keeping up with the city’s growing population, and making it an even more desirable place to live.
Creating new public space
The Corn Exchange Triangle sits at the centre of a complex network of streets with wide vehicle carriageways and narrow footways. Currently, this part of Leeds has small public spaces that are fragmented by busy roads, and the setting of the Corn Exchange, a Grade I listed building, and other nearby heritage buildings are spoiled by highway infrastructure.
This new scheme looks to add more greenery and increase public space to an area with heavy footfall, while improving the streetscape. These plans would completely transform this part of Leeds and better link the area to key pedestrian routes nearby.
Improvements, regeneration and investment
Creating new public space and improving transport will bring more development to Leeds, further improving the city’s liveability. With all of the improvements, regeneration and investment coming to this northern city, it’s an especially exciting time to invest in Leeds.
Find out about property investments in Leeds South Bank, a regeneration scheme expected to double the size of the city centre, while bringing more homes, jobs, leisure facilities, restaurants and nightlife to the Yorkshire powerhouse.
