An online public consultation on ambitious proposals to regenerate the South Bank area of Leeds and effectively double the size of the city centre has started this week.
The consultation, which will run for three months until 15th November, asks for views on proposals to form a framework for future development of South Bank Leeds
The area is of pivotal importance to the city and regional economy as one of the largest regeneration schemes of its type in Europe.
Leader of Leeds City Council, Councillor Judith Blake, said: “We are very pleased to be launching this public consultation as the next phase in the development of South Bank Leeds. This is an incredibly exciting opportunity to transform an area of our city – not only into a fantastic economic driver of jobs and growth – but also an attractive place for people to live, learn, work and visit.”
She continued: “It will also greatly enhance and expand the city centre so a major challenge is how to integrate developments in the South Bank with the surrounding communities and the wider city. We also need to make the most of high speed rail and the tremendous opportunities provided by the redevelopment of Leeds Station.”
Key elements of the South Bank Leeds regeneration framework for consultation include a vision for the redeveloped Leeds Station, or ‘Yorkshire Hub’ as it is also being called, maximising the opportunities of high-speed rail through an architectural statement reflecting the city.
Also, the council have decided to maximise the River Aire and surrounding areas as a major leisure, events and recreation space for people of all ages to engage with.
Other plans include the creation of a city centre ‘green park’ to serve the area and the wider city and the vision of a mixed-use neighbourhood, with clusters of land uses for commercial development, residential and housing, community facilities and education.
To take part in the consultation visit https://southbankleeds.co.uk/shapeyourcity
