Article Summary

As well being a heritage building and a centre for shopping and dining, the Leeds Corn Exchange is a gateway to the city itself. It is also set to become the centre of redevelopment plans for Leeds city centre, which will upgrade outdated buildings and transport networks to be fit for modern use.

The aim of the project is to transform the area into a pedestrian and public transport-friendly space. Leeds City Council has recently submitted their initial ideas for the project; on which, before they are finalised, they will consult with local residents.

New Redevelopment Plans to Further Improve Pedestrian Access in Leeds

Their immediate proposal is to pedestrianise Call Lane from the Corn Exchange all the way to The Calls. As well as improving pedestrian access, this would also include the creation of two new public areas. The first of these would be adjacent to the Corn Exchange and double the size of the space there. The second would create an outdoor dining plaza in the lower half of Call Lane.

In order to transform Call Lane into a go-to pedestrian destination, traffic will need to be diverted away from the area. Lower Briggate would become a two-way street with relocated parking, much larger pavements and dedicated buses.

If the Council’s plans get the go-ahead, the entire area from York Street to Boar Lane could be completely redeveloped. By making these streets more pedestrian-friendly and by increasing public transport opportunities, Leeds residents and visitors will benefit from reduced congestion and journey times. This will help create a better quality of life for all in Leeds.

A New 5-acre City Park

The redevelopment project would also help further unlock the potential of the South Bank area. Reduced to a single carriageway road with one lane in both directions would be the dual carriageway of Meadow Lane. The freed-up space would become a new 5-acre city park adjacent to Meadow Lane.

As well as for vehicles, the new Meadow Lane would be redeveloped for pedestrians and cyclists. The new design would include network of intuitive pelican and zebra crossings, and a two-way protected cycle track will loop from Great Wilson Street to Swinegate. A new bus gate would give buses priority use of Leeds Bridge, helping to reduce traffic congestion.

Once the Council’s plans have been consulted on and approved, the deadline for the project’s completion is March 2021. So residents don’t have long to wait to benefit from their city’s transformation.

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