Leeds residents are being invited to have their say on a proposed masterplan for the southern gateway of the city centre which could provide 20,000 new jobs and a new city centre park.
The Draft Leeds South Bank Planning Statement was approved by the council's executive board in July and has now been published for official public consultation.
Over the past year, the council has been working with landowners to develop a long-term vision for the area south of the river, which is an important 'gateway' to Leeds and a prime location for regeneration.
Now people have until 13 October to comment on the proposals before a further report is presented to the council's executive board on the outcome of the consultation. A final version of the Draft Leeds South Bank Planning Statement will then be produced and adopted later this year as planning guidance for all future development in that part of the city.
A 15-year project
Back in July, councillors receiving an early report on the proposals were told that the project could take 15 years to be completed. Early plans indicated the proposed park could be the size of around five football pitches.
The proposals, which have been broken down into four phases, involve the creation of a new business district for the area, from Victoria Road to Crown Point Road.
It's hoped the wider development will aid the creation of a new city centre park, mainly on land currently owned by Leeds council and by Carlsberg-Tetley, which will be closing next year.
Councillor Richard Lewis, executive member responsible for city development, said:
"It is expected that this area of the city centre, from Victoria Lane to Crown Point Road, is likely to change significantly in the next few years and we want to make sure it does so in a way which creates jobs, attracts investment and builds an attractive environment for all the people of Leeds.
"At the heart of the proposal is the creation of a new city centre park which would be a fantastic new green space for residents and visitors.
"We want the public and all interested parties to look at these proposals and tell us what they think - the public's involvement is crucial to the success of such an important document. "
The full planning statement is available from the council's development enquiry centre, at the Leonardo Building, on 2 Rossington Street, Leeds LS2 8HD, or people can contact tel: 0113 2224409 and request a copy or email planning@leeds.gov.uk.
It is also available on the council's website.The actual planning statement can be downloaded from the top right-hand corner of the screen.
What do you think? Is a new city centre park a welcome addition? Do we need more offices? Have your say in the comments section below.
