West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin and Leeds City Council leader Cllr James Lewis have proposed a new Mayoral Development Zone (MDZ) for Leeds city centre, in a move designed to accelerate one of the largest regeneration programmes in Europe.
Announced at UKREiiF on 19 May, the MDZ would establish a formal partnership between the Combined Authority, Leeds City Council, Homes England and central Government.
Subject to approval, it would oversee the delivery of around 20,000 new homes, alongside new jobs, public spaces, cultural destinations and commercial development across Leeds South Bank and the wider city centre.
Key sites within the zone include Temple Works, the Royal Armouries Tiltyard and Elland Road. A new independent board will coordinate funding, land assembly and infrastructure investment across partners.
The proposals are backed by a £2.1bn transport investment programme and supported by Secretary of State Steve Reed, who described the MDZ as unlocking Leeds' ‘full potential.’
Mayor Brabin said: ‘Our proposals bring together the powers, partners and investment needed to deliver a new chapter for Leeds – one with the homes, jobs and opportunities that local people need and deserve.
‘From Temple Works to the Royal Armouries, we are building a city that works for all, and sending a powerful message to investors that West Yorkshire is where opportunity lives.’
Cllr Lewis added: 'Our city has real momentum, with major regeneration and infrastructure delivery well underway, and these new proposals will bring together the partners we need to go further, faster.’
