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£1.3m Leeds street work starts
WORK is under way on a £1.3m scheme to refurbish one of the busiest shopping streets in the heart of Leeds.
The project to revitalise Lands Lane is part of a multi-million pound programme to transform key parts of the city centre, seen as vital to Leeds's economic future.
Briggate, King Edward Street, Albion Place and Commercial Street are among the streets already repaved and improved and the council recently announced plans to refurbish Bond Street and the pedestrianised part of Kirkgate.
The work in Lands Lane will include York stone paving, new trees and high quality seating.
Council bosses say the aim is to give the area a "plaza" feel. Work started this week and is expected to be completed in the autumn.
Along with the paving refurbishment works, plans are also in place for the development and installation of a new city centre walking map and signage to help visitors find their way around the city centre on foot.
Shopper Victoria Rowley, 18, from Wakefield, said: "More trees are nice but I don't really see the point. Maybe old people will like more trees but it doesn't make much difference to young people."
Rob Patchett, a 22-year-old student from Hyde Park, said: "I've lived in Leeds for three years now and the city's changed so much even since I've been a student. It depends what the council are giving up (in exchange] for trees, financially speaking though doesn't it?"
Betty Parl, 85 and retired, of Elland Road, Leeds, said: "It will take away the character of the place.
"I like the old and traditional architecture. And it'll be nice if they can keep it up but with all these trees and shrubs there'll be more vandalism."
Coun Andrew Carter, council leader and executive member for the development of the city centre, said: "Having high quality public areas in the city centre is important to attract investors, employers, employees, residents, shoppers, visitors and tourists to the city, and encourage them to return."
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Friday 25 May 2012
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