German dignitaries visiting Leeds for UKREiiF took time to visit Dortmund Square this week, highlighting the city’s ongoing commitment to its twinning relationship with Dortmund in North Rhine-Westphalia.
The German Honorary Consul, Regina Rosenthal, and Christian Klose, Investor Support Manager at the Economic Development Agency Dortmund, were welcomed to the city centre site by Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Deputy Leader and executive member for economy, transport and sustainable development. During the visit, Councillor Jonathan Pryor showcased the newly installed place name signage and outlined plans for upcoming wayfinding boards, designed to further celebrate and strengthen the enduring ties between Leeds and its German twin city.
Leeds and Dortmund have shared a formal twinning partnership since 1969, but their relationship began two decades earlier in 1949, rooted in a shared commitment to fostering peace, friendship, and mutual understanding in the aftermath of conflict between the UK and Germany. At the heart of Leeds city centre lies Dortmund Square — a symbolic space named to honour this enduring connection. Its counterpart in Germany, Platz von Leeds, reflects the reciprocal nature of the partnership.
The square was officially renamed in 1980 to celebrate the strength of the relationship, and it remains a focal point of the cities’ bond. It is also home to the well-known bronze sculpture Dortmund Drayman, affectionately called ‘Barrel Man’ by locals. The statue was a gift from the Mayor of Dortmund, presented to the people of Leeds as a gesture of goodwill and lasting friendship.
Joining the German delegation at UKREiiF this week was Benedikt Scholz, Director of Internationalisation and Commercial Partnerships at BVB Borussia Dortmund Football Club. Benedikt Scholz took part in a panel discussion exploring how investment in stadiums, leisure facilities, and global events can deliver broader societal benefits. The session highlighted how such developments can serve as catalysts for wider economic investment and urban regeneration.
The delegation also met with representatives from Leeds United Football Club to learn more about the plans for the redevelopment of Elland Road Stadium. In addition, they took part in an interactive event led by Leeds City Council, which showcased a range of ambitious regeneration projects taking place across the city.
Deputy Leader and executive member for economy, transport and sustainable development, Councillor Jonathan Pryor said:
“It was my great privilege to show Regina and Christian around Dortmund Square and to explain the council’s plans to further celebrate our two cities friendship.
“I also look forward to welcoming Benedikt Scholz from Borussia Dortmund Football Club and to gaining his insight into how the regeneration and expansion of sporting venues and leisure facilities can attract wider investment and regeneration to Leeds.
“It is always exciting to showcase how incredible Leeds is to visitors and to discuss the wide-ranging redevelopment plans that will build on Leeds’s reputation as a global city of note.”
The German Honorary Consul, Regina Rosenthal said:
“As a German living in Leeds and representing my country here, it makes me very proud to see how Leeds celebrates its Dortmund partnership, which has brought so many benefits to both cities over the years.”
Leeds continues to solidify its reputation as a hub for real estate and infrastructure development. Hosting UKREiiF for consecutive years underscores the city’s strategic importance and its capacity to facilitate large-scale industry events.
The forum contributes significantly to the local economy and showcases Leeds’ commitment to urban regeneration and innovation www.ukreiif.com
