Morley town centre set for £1.1m transformation

A £1.1 million public realm scheme is set to begin in Morley as part of the Morley Town Deal’s programme to make improvements to the town centre and build economic growth. 

The Morley Town Deal, funded through the government’s Local Regeneration Funding programme and backed by Leeds City Council, will invest in the Queen Street pedestrianised area and Commercial Street to make the town more attractive, accessible and welcoming to residents, businesses and visitors. 

Above: Aerial view of Morley's Queen Street.

Above: Queen Street, set for transformation.

The scheme includes upgrading the public spaces with additional seating and planting, improving accessibility and creating a more attractive town centre environment that supports future investment and increased footfall.

The leader of Leeds City Council, Councillor James Lewis, said: “The start of the public realm work in Morley town centre marks the culmination of years of planning and public consultation to deliver an improved town centre experience for all.

“The planned changes to the pedestrian area on Queen Street and the highway works on Commercial Street will not only make the area more visually appealing but will also have practical benefits in terms of accessibility and safety.

“This work is only the start of the planned improvements for the town, with three further schemes along Station Road, Queen Street North and Town Square scheduled to be delivered over the next six months.”

Following a competitive process, construction company CR Reynolds Ltd has been appointed to deliver the scheme. Construction is currently expected to begin on 9 November, with completion targeted for March 2027.

Importantly, Morley town centre will remain open for business throughout the works and shops, pubs, cafes, restaurants and other businesses will continue trading.

Above: The top end of Morley's Queen Street where the works will start. 

Above: Indicative view of Queen Street with new seating and planting.

Chair of the Morley Town Deal, Gerald Jennings, said: “The Morley Town Deal set out with the aspiration to create education and career opportunities, improve the town centre experience and build economic growth.  

“These public realm improvements, together with the work to rejuvenate the Town Hall and deliver a new learning and skills centre, continue to deliver on that aspiration and help Morley be one of the best places in Leeds to live, learn, work, trade and visit. 

 “While there may be some temporary disruption during the work, I encourage everyone to continue to use the town centre as normal and support Morley’s incredible range of local businesses in the usual way.”

 Work to deliver the scheme has been carefully phased to minimise disruption, and there will be clear signage and regular communications on progress. The council and contractor will also work closely with local businesses to minimise its impact wherever possible. 

Notes for editor:

Morley Town Deal is a key part of wider regeneration projects across South Leeds — including Elland Road masterplan and the Holbeck–Wortley Triangle.  

Upgrades across South Leeds will link neighbourhoods together and improve access to the city centre. 

The Town Deal projects will bring new job and training opportunities and long-term investment to the area, ensuring that growth benefits the whole community and meets the Leeds Ambitions. 

Headline photo caption: (Left to right) - Vicky Thacker - CR Reynolds, public liaison officer; Gerald Jennings - Chair of the Morley Town Deal; Harry Hughes - CR Reynolds, site manager; Councillor Paul Wray, Leeds City Council deputy executive member for strategic planning.