August 2024 Good News Round-Up

Fearnville leisure centre 

Fearnville Leisure Centre in Gipton will now be replaced with a much-needed new facility that will enhance the health and well-being of children, families, the local community, and sports clubs in the area. Amenities will include a 25-metre main pool, learner pool, a 120-station gym, all-weather pitch, spin studio, soft play, party rooms and a café. Work is expected to start on site early in the new year and take around 18 months to complete. 

 

UKREiiF Success

An independent report by ARUP has found that UKREiiF (The UK's Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum) has sparked almost £21m of local economic activity in the city and wider West Yorkshire region in 2024. 33% of people attending UKREiiF are now visiting Leeds more frequently between each event 'due to the event'. Showing the events great effect of boosting business tourism.

 

Former factory site to see new housing scheme

A total of 50 new homes are currently taking shape on a brownfield site off Moorfield Road in Armley that was formerly occupied by the Tower Works factory. The finished development will comprise 27 houses and 23 apartments, all available for affordable or social rent. The scheme is being delivered by Yorkshire Housing and contractor Termrim Construction with support from Leeds City Council and Homes England.

 

Leeds Parks recognised as some of the best in the country

Seven parks and green spaces in Leeds have been awarded the prestigious Green Flag Award after achieving international quality mark once more. Keep Britain Tidy’s Green Flag Award Scheme Manager, Paul Todd MBE, said: “I would like to congratulate everyone involved at Leeds City Council on achieving these Green Flag Awards.”

 

Leeds City Council one of the UKs top 100 apprentice employers

Leeds City Council has entered the Department for Education's (Dfe) top 100 employers list rankings for the first time at 90th, over a 1,000 employers entered by submitting data from the last 12 months. Over 632 council employees are currently on apprenticeships from level 2 (equivalent to GCSE) to level 7 (masters level). 

 

Microsoft to build datacentre on former power station site

Land and property regeneration company Harworth Group have agreed to the sale of 48 acres of land at its site in south-east Leeds to Microsoft. This purchase will lead to the construction of a 'Hyperscale datacentre' which will bring jobs and investment to the region. This datacentre will be part of the  £2.5 billion next generation datacentre project aimed at harnessing the power of AI.

 

Leeds housebuilding success shows the way forward for the rest of UK 

New figures show the significant progress being made by Leeds towards its housebuilding targets. 4,441 houses were built in the city during the 12 months to the end of March. This is the highest level of delivery since the early 1980s. 650 of these homes were considered affordable housing with the Local Authority delivering 40% of these homes. There has been a greater number of affordable homes being built in Leeds over the last five years than in any other large city in the country outside London. Leeds has also been responsible for 1.5% of all new homes in England during that period. 

 

FCA announces expansion of Leeds office

The FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) will be upping their floorspace in Leeds by 5,000 sq ft with a new expansion of their presence in Leeds. The work to open their new office space is expected to be completed by next autumn.

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire said:

'West Yorkshire is going from strength to strength as the largest financial services centre in England outside London.

'It's a fantastic vote of confidence in our region as we work to drive economic growth in a stronger, brighter West Yorkshire that works for all.'