Consultation launched on South Bank Leeds development to double the size of Leeds city centre

Proposals to regenerate the South Bank area of Leeds and double the size of the city centre can now be addressed via an online public consultation.

The consultation, which will run for three months until 15 November, asks for views on proposals to form a framework for future development of South Bank Leeds.

The area is a significant contributor to the city and regional economy as one of the largest regeneration schemes of its type in Europe.

The consultation also includes a questionnaire which leads on a series of general questions about the proposals, followed by an additional, more detailed section.

Covering an area the size of 250 football pitches, the plans for South Bank Leeds is to provide more than 35,000 jobs and over 4,000 homes and for it to become a leading European destination for living, working and leisure.

The area will also be home to a new educational hub accessed by over 10,000 students as well as featuring community facilities and leisure attractions.

A key element of the proposals is how to integrate the opportunities around the redevelopment of Leeds Station for the arrival of high-speed HS2 and HS3 rail, with the station becoming a key national transport interchange.

The redevelopment also offers the chance to remodel the areas surrounding the station into commercial centres, and Leeds City Council is currently working with key partners and stakeholders on improvement proposals for the station.

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.

“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.

“So I would encourage everyone to get involved and tell us what they think as in many ways South Bank is going to be a huge influence on the future direction of our city and the lives of thousands of people in Leeds and beyond.”

The public consultation is also seeking views on cultural aspects such as the use of public spaces and play areas, as well as a new approach to architecture and maximising the possibilities offered by the River Aire with the area potentially playing a key role in the Leeds bid to become 2023 European Capital of Culture.

Apart from the three-month public consultation, Leeds City Council will also continue to discuss the South Bank Leeds proposals with all key local community, business and stakeholder groups and forums.