Member Article

Plans to transform East Leeds could create 13,000 jobs

Leeds councillors will this week recommend proposals for developments at Thorpe Park are approved.

Councillors will discuss the proposed applications for new office, retail and leisure developments- which could create up to 13,000 jobs as part of the wider East Leeds Extension- at a meeting being held tomorrow at the Civic Hall.

In addition, the developments at Thorpe Park would include the creation of a new link road and green space, which will also be recommended for approval this week.

The plans propose a range of new uses including more office space, shops, restaurants, hotels and a gym, which could create an estimated 3,000 job opportunities during the construction phase and an additional 10,000 when complete. The proposals are part of the broader East Leeds Extension plans which could see up to 6,000 new houses built in the surrounding area of the city.

To reduce traffic congestion in Cross Gates and cope with additional traffic as part of the Thorpe Park development and the expected new housing, a new Manston Lane Link Road would be built connecting the East Leeds Extension area with Junction 46 of the M1 motorway. Along with the new developments at Thorpe Park, a 47-hectare public ‘Green Park’ with playing pitches, changing rooms and a nature area would be created to the west side.

All of the new developments, including the costs of the link road plus a regular bus service and the creation of the Green Park, will be funded by the applicants as part of the proposals.

Public consultation on the Thorpe Park proposals was carried out in summer 2012 with over 800 people attending events and 37,000 leaflets posted to local residents and businesses. Of the responses received, 72 per cent were either fully or broadly supportive of the proposals.

Leeds City Council executive member for neighbourhoods, planning and support services, Councillor Peter Gruen, said:

“The proposed new developments at Thorpe Park and the East Leeds Extension represent an opportunity for a massive boost to the Leeds and wider Leeds City Region economy and the creation of thousands of new jobs. It will also deliver the new Manston Lane Link Road and open up new housing land for development in east Leeds.

“We have worked with the applicant to ensure a number of issues have been addressed and they are committed to ensuring the supporting infrastructure will be in place to ensure these new developments can be accommodated effectively.

“Should the applications be approved we will continue to work with the developers to ensure any problems are resolved so that the area and wider city can benefit fully from this development.” As part of the recommendation to approve the applications by the council’s planning officers, consideration has been given on ways to minimise the impact on the surrounding area as well as on local shopping centres and the city centre.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Anna Addison .