Work starts next week on a £600,000 scheme to improve access to the Holbeck urban village area by improving Sweet Street West, including reopening the road underneath the railway bridge.

And on June 7 people will be given their first chance to look around developer ISIS's new multi-million pound waterside development at Granary Wharf.

The Sweet Street West scheme will see the introduction of a one-way system to allow more pedestrian access and ease congestion, vehicle-activated sign systems to make sure that high-sided vehicles are warned they cannot access the road ahead, a new turning circle, carriageway widening, new cycle paths, footpath improvements and better street lighting.

It will open up a key southern gateway, which has been a barrier to people entering the area for 30 years since its closure.

The project, being carried out by North Midland Construction for the council, is due to be completed in late November.

Coun Andrew Carter, executive board member for the development of the city centre, said: "If we are to continue to attract investors, employers, shoppers and tourists to Leeds, it is essential that the environment in our city centre is of the highest quality.

"The Sweet Street work will vastly improve access to the centre from the south of the city."

ISIS will unveil a show apartment at an "open house" event which includes the opportunity to view building plans and speak to those involved in the development.

More than 280 apartments in two buildings will occupy the waterside, along with a 333-roomed City Inn Hotel that will include a 14th floor sky bar with views across Holbeck urban village and the south of the city. Restaurants and shops will be surrounded by landscaped public space.

Events taking place on June 7 include live music, barbecue food, and narrow-boat tours to show how the outdoor public space will help bring Granary Wharf back to life.