Member Article

Business backing brings Leeds’ £250m NGT trolleybus system a step closer

Respected business figures have come forward in Leeds to back the city’s proposed £250m New Generation Transport (NGT) system, describing the planned trolleybus network as “critical” to the future success and development of the city.

With the Transport and Works Act Order (TWAO) submission scheduled for 19 September, Hammerson, Jones Lang LaSalle, Yorkshire Design Developments, Leeds Rugby Ltd, Allied London, Leeds Civic Trust, Bruntwood and SMG, operators of the first direct Arena, have all voiced their support.

The TWAO will grant Metro and Leeds City Council the powers they need to commission, build and operate the 14.8km trolleybus system running through the city centre from Holt Park in North Leeds and Stourton in South Leeds.

Joe Swindells, Hammerson’s project director for Victoria Gate, commented: “We believe that the delivery of NGT is critical to the success and development of Leeds. The high-end retail brands that we will bring to the city need to see that Leeds has a clear vision for the future, encompassing the short, medium and long-term, as well as the city’s commitment to a high-quality, pedestrian-friendly shopping environment.”

Peter Connolly, founder of Yorkshire Design Developments, said: “NGT is a scheme that will connect the city, providing areas outside the centre with fast and reliable journeys as well as a useful park and ride system. It will deliver significant financial benefits, which means developers and investors can pursue future projects with confidence.

“The technology behind the scheme is simple, effective and well tested. Other cities have already adopted this approach and it has proved good for their development. For Leeds to continue to develop improved connectivity is vital and the proposed network promises this.”

Ben Williams, general manager at the first direct Arena, said: “The first direct Arena is set to become a major attraction for Leeds, drawing in audiences from across the wider region and the UK, as well as from the city itself.

“Modern transport connections are going to be key to its successful operation. NGT offers the ideal solution, providing improved access to the city centre and its leisure attractions.”

This new round of public support follows recent statements from Allied London, owner of New Dock, and Leeds Civic Trust. Chief executive of Allied London, Mike Ingall, said NGT will drive a new wave of development, helping Leeds to evolve as a holistic city, while Kevin Grady, director of Leeds Civic Trust, said it is in the best interests of the city as a whole that the scheme is implemented.

The TWAO submission is the first stage in gaining the legal approval the city needs to construct and operate a trolleybus system. This is likely to be followed by a public inquiry next spring.

One of the city’s key transformational projects, New Generation Transport is at the heart of creating an integrated transport network for Leeds to support the city’s future development.

At an investment level of £250m, it is one of the largest investments in transport infrastructure in the UK outside London.

The first line will run from Holt Park in the north of the city to Stourton in the south, with the possibility of a second and third extension being planned. The extensions will travel to St James’s University Hospital and the new Aire Valley Leeds Enterprise Zone to the south east of the city centre.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Mark Lane .