Key Leeds city centre gateway set to be given people-friendly new look

This is how the junction of Clay Pit Lane and Woodhouse Lane in Leeds is set to look following a proposed revamp.

Plans to transform the area into an attractive and welcoming new public space and gateway to the city centre with a new road alignment focused on reducing traffic impact and with improved pedestrian and cycling facilities are expected to be approved at a meeting of Leeds City Council’s executive board next week (Weds 21 June).

The plans are part of a range of proposals to improve public spaces in the city centre, with the junction which connects the first direct arena and innovation district with Merrion House and Millennium Square being altered. The junction currently has a high level of use by vehicles and pedestrians, and the proposals aim to make it more people-friendly and attractive. The first phase of work to fill in disused subway tunnels under the road has already been completed with the surface changes including new trees, landscaping and seating expected to be completed by early next year if approved.

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

“These plans are part of our commitment to making public spaces in the city centre wherever possible look more attractive, welcoming and people-friendly. This is a clear move away from the stale and dated concrete and traffic-first look and feel of the 1960s, seventies and eighties, instead replacing it with places that people and families would want to take some time to sit and enjoy. As such a busy junction which connects the arena with the universities and Millennium Square, along with the refurbishment of Merrion House which is looking superb, this location is an ideal example of what can be done to make our city centre much more inviting, modern and vibrant putting people first.”

To see the executive board report go to http://bit.ly/2sAI5Gw (agenda item 18).

ENDS

For media enquiries please contact:

Roger Boyde

Leeds City Council communications,

Tel: 0113 378 9164

Email: roger.boyde@leeds.gov.uk