Executive board to look at vision for a vibrant New Briggate

Proposals to revitalise New Briggate and transform the area into a vibrant urban village will be examined by senior councillors in Leeds next week.

Leeds City Council’s executive board will look at a string of regeneration opportunities in New Briggate and the surrounding areas aimed at supporting local businesses, including Leeds Grand Theatre and Opera House, as well as improving links to nearby Lovell Park, the Arena quarter and Phase 2 of the Victoria Gate development.

The discussion will focus on public realm improvements around Belgrave Gardens, linked to the potential for private development at the council’s pay and display car park at Cross Belgrave Street, as well as the sale of the current vacant council-owned property at 26-32 Merrion Street.

A report to the executive board also looks at the potential for leasing the currently empty units at 34-40 New Briggate, located under The Grand and the Howard Assembly Rooms.

If approved, the proposals will look to kick-start a fresh vision for the New Briggate area that will help support existing businesses, attract new investment and make the area more appealing to local residents and workers.

Councillor Richard Lewis, Leeds City Council’s executive member for regeneration, transport and planning, said:

“New Briggate is an area with a tremendous amount of potential and the time is right to look at what we can do to bring about some positive changes which could maximise that potential and make this a much more vibrant and exciting part of the city centre.

“For us, that is about making the most of what we have here and now so we can work with local businesses and the private sector to encourage investment, bring about improvements and help New Briggate be all that it can be.”

The report recommends that 26-32 Merrion Street be declared surplus and that the board supports the invitation of proposals to develop the pay and display car park and re-order the public space around Belgrave Gardens.

It is also recommended that officers undertake an initial expression of interest exercise for the leasing of 34-40 New Briggate.

If approved, potential public realm improvements will also be explored through a feasibility scheme and further partnership working.

Councillor Lewis added:

“The New Briggate area can be a bridge between people living in inner city residential areas and some of the fantastic retail and leisure opportunities like Victoria Gate and the Arena quarter.

“By making some of these changes, there is the potential to create a modern urban village feel that will be attractive to residents as well as lunchtime and evening visitors."

The executive board will meet on October 21.

To view the full executive board report, please visit: http://democracy.leeds.gov.uk/documents/s137821/New%20Briggate%20Cover%20Report%20131015.pdf

ENDS

For media enquiries, please contact:

Stuart Robinson

Communications Officer

Leeds City Council

Tel: 0113 224 3937

Email: stuart.robinson@leeds.gov.uk

www.leeds.gov.uk