Major Connecting Leeds work to transform New Briggate now complete

Delivery of the transformation of New Briggate started in July 2021, after a wider consultation in 2018 around improving bus routes, cycle lanes and footways in the city centre.

The work, which forms part of Connecting Leeds’ £173.5million programme, aims to enhance the pedestrian and cycling experience by removing motor traffic (except for loading at specified times) and improving the public realm. Buses, which once used New Briggate, now use Vicar Lane, improving reliability and journey times by removing a bottleneck on The Headrow at New Briggate.

Delivered by John Sisk & Son, the New Briggate delivery includes wider, high quality pavements to enhance walking and outdoor retail and dining opportunities, new trees, and improvements for cycle users. The scheme will also reduce city centre congestion and help to improve air quality.

The New Briggate work follows on from another major milestone in the city centre, with areas around Leeds Corn Exchange benefitting from highway improvements and a creation of a new public space.

The New Briggate enhancements also complement the High Street Heritage Action Zone (HAZ) project in the area which is a partnership between Leeds City Council and Historic England. The HAZ scheme is delivering heritage-led regeneration using government-funded grants for repair work to buildings and public spaces.

Connecting Leeds aims to tackle the climate emergency in Leeds whilst delivering on Council objectives of delivering inclusive growth and improving the health and well-being of Leeds residents.

Councillor Helen Hayden, Leeds City Council’s executive member for infrastructure and climate, said:

“We are delighted another major step in city centre improvements is now complete. The work seen here will help to attract investment to New Briggate and offer more leisure options whilst improving active travel routes for people using the city. We would like to thank businesses; bus operators and users; and the public for their patience whilst construction has been carried out.”

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