West Yorkshire leaders have approved a major investment package worth more than £200 million to deliver a new wave of transport, housing and economic projects across the region.
Mayor Tracy Brabin and the leaders of West Yorkshire’s five councils signed off the funding at a meeting of the Combined Authority, backing schemes aimed at improving transport connections, unlocking new housing, supporting business growth and creating jobs in Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds and Wakefield.
The package includes investment in better roads, walking and cycling routes, new business space and major regeneration projects, as well as support for long-term housing growth. Leaders said the funding would help transform communities across West Yorkshire while strengthening the region’s economy and making it a better place to live, work and do business.
Speaking ahead of the Combined Authority meeting in Leeds, Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire said:
“This is a huge moment for West Yorkshire, as we deliver on our promises and change lives for the better in every corner of our great region.
“Almost a quarter of a billion pounds of investment will help us to get shovels in the ground, boost public transport, build new homes, and back the communities and businesses that keep our region moving.
“With all five districts coming together to work as one West Yorkshire powerhouse, we’re rolling up our sleeves and getting on with the job of building a stronger, greener, fairer and better‑connected region – one that puts more money in people’s pockets and grows the UK economy.”
Councillor James Lewis, Leader of Leeds City Council said:
“In Leeds we have unlocked a number of nationally significant growth opportunities that represent one of the most ambitious transformation pipelines in the UK. With a track record of delivering on major infrastructure projects through raising public and private sector finance and through successful collaborations as Team Leeds we know we stand in a strong position.
“Working with our fellow authorities from across the region, West Yorkshire is proving that our collective strengths are the key to continuing to deliver at scale, through securing long-term, locally led investment which will continue to transform our local economies.”
Among the projects to benefit is a proposed new Leeds Bradford Airport Parkway station, which is expected to improve access for travellers and commuters while supporting the airport’s Vision 2030 plans. More than £73 million has also been earmarked for road improvements in Leeds, including upgrades to bus lanes, footpaths and crossings in Headingley and Armley.
The investment programme also backs major housing and regeneration schemes. Leeds Innovation Village, part of the West Yorkshire Investment Zone, is set to provide office and laboratory space alongside new homes and business premises, with a focus on supporting high-growth sectors such as healthtech. Meanwhile, Leeds South Bank, identified by the New Town Taskforce as a potential site for a new town, could deliver up to 13,000 homes in the years ahead.
Leaders said the funding builds on billions of pounds already invested in the region since devolution and comes ahead of West Yorkshire receiving its £2 billion integrated settlement in April, which will give the Mayor and Combined Authority greater control over how money is spent.
The latest funding package underlined how strong regional leadership and partnership working were bringing tangible benefits to communities across West Yorkshire.
