Plans submitted for £50m Leeds motorway service area, creating 700 new jobs

A planning application for a ‘new concept’ £50m Motorway Service Area (MSA) at Junction 45 of the M1 in Leeds has been submitted to Leeds City Council.

Extra MSA Group’s ‘Leeds Skelton Lake Services’ will aim to improve road safety within this section of the Motorway Network, between the existing MSAs at M62 Hartshead Moor, M1 Woolley Edge and A1M Wetherby.

The site is located at the Gateway to the Leeds Enterprise Zone and Extra’s investment in the City Region will create over 700 new job opportunities throughout its construction and operation.

By improving walking routes to and around Skelton Lake, the development will also form part of a ‘Green Corridor’ linking Temple Newsam to the north with Rothwell Country Park.

Extra’s proposals include a new food court style facilities building which will provide a wide range of food and ancillary retail outlets, together with there being a business centre, filling station and hotel.

The building design features sweeping architecture that will ‘tie’ its ‘Living Green Roof’ into the landscape. The building interior also includes a new visitor centre, community space and an upper-floor viewing deck over Skelton Lake.

The proposals have received a high level of support throughout the extensive public consultation which took place earlier this year. Over 75% of East Leeds residents who responded supported the development, with comments received through a consultation brochure, two exhibitions and the website.

Extra has also consulted with Leeds City Council, the Local Enterprise Partnership and other community and interest groups throughout the preparation of the planning application.

Andrew Long, chief executive officer of Extra MSA Group, said: “We have meaningfully engaged with the communities of East Leeds to obtain their opinions and we are pleased with the positive support received.

“The design of the main Facilities Building, including its ‘Living Green Roof’, received particular praise, along with our scheme to improve access to Skelton Lake whilst helping to maintain a ‘Green Corridor’ and protect local wildlife.

Andrew further commented: “The recent submission of the Planning Application is the next step in delivering this £50m investment into East Leeds, addressing Road Safety deficiencies on this section of the Motorway Network, creating new jobs for local people, together with a range of significant economic, social and environmental benefits.”

Discussions are already in progress with local employment advisors to ensure recruitment for the 300 full time equivalent new jobs and 400 construction job opportunities is focused on the local area. Extra MSA Group are also planning to include an apprenticeship scheme in partnership with the region’s Schools and Colleges.