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Leeds-Bradford 'corridor' aims for 3,000 new jobs
Leeds and Bradford councils have launched a regeneration initiative which could create 3,000 new jobs.
The partnership focuses on developing the nine-mile strip connecting the two city centres known as the Leeds Bradford corridor.
As well as creating and attracting new jobs, it aims to deliver improved rail and bus services and upgraded housing.
Three years of funding has already been agreed, with 20m investment secured to fund housing development.
A detailed investment plan should be in place by the year end.
The long term aim of the partnership is to:
Create 7,500 homes over 20 years;
Provide refurbished housing for which cash has already been secured;
Develop employment sites near motorways, with a potential of securing 3,000 new jobs;
Improve business growth by encouraging business start ups;
Continue investment in public transport through new and improved rail and bus services.
The corridor stretches from Leeds city centre via Wortley, Armley, Bramley, Stanningley and Rodley to Greengates, Holme Wood, Thornbury and into Bradford city centre.
Regeneration plans were first discussed by Leeds councillors more than a year ago but have now been rubber-stamped by representatives of the two cities at the annual international property and development conference, Mipim, held in France.
Jean Dent, Leeds's director of city development, said the regeneration had no boundaries between local authorities and would connect residents to the growing economies in both cities.
"Leeds is a major employment provider for the surrounding city region
and over 100,000 people commute to work in the city every day," she said.
"The Leeds Bradford Corridor is central to the long term sustainable development of the two cities. It is essential that we work closely with Bradford on this project and with our other partners in the wider city region to address the skills, housing and transportation issues to facilitate development and economic growth."
Together, the two cities have a growing population of 1.3m and a shared annual economy of over 23bn.
Coun Adrian Naylor, executive member for regeneration and economy at Bradford Council, said the partnership demonstrated that the two cities could work together in a constructive way.
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Tuesday 22 May 2012
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