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Leeds Neville Street: New lighting scheme launched VIDEO
A multi-million pound project to transform a dark tunnel that is one of the major gateways into Leeds has been unveiled today.
The 13,000 people who use the road daily will now arrive in the city through a welcoming gateway that features innovative light and sound.
Neville Street, that runs under the tracks of Leeds City Station now boasts work by world-famous German artist Hans Peter Kuhn, who teamed up with leading architects, engineers, and acoustic experts to improve lighting, reduce traffic noise and alter people's perceptions about safety in the previously dingy area.
The thoroughfare next to the Dark Arches is home to light and sound installations, along with a light installation by Leeds artist Andy Edwards.
Their work incorporates thousands of tiny lights, plus a soundtrack of ambient noise which fills the space to make the traffic sound quieter.
The volume fluctuates in response to how busy the route is.
The lights and sound were switched on for the first time this morning.
The 4.6m scheme has been funded by Leeds City Council and regeneration organisations Yorkshire Forward and the Northern Way.
Council deputy leader Coun Andrew Carter said: "It not only looks better, feels safer and sounds incredible, but it shows the rest of the world that Leeds is an ambitious, 'can-do' and industrious city."
Yorkshire Forward's executive director for environment, Jan Anderson, hailed the finished product as "unique and inviting".
Neville Street is a key link between the city centre and Holbeck Urban Village but the route was criticised by users as dull, dark and noisy.
Work came to a temporary halt after the lead contractor, Wrekin Construction, went into administration in March last year but Scunthorpe firm Saferoad BLG – formerly Balmer Lindley Group – took over the project five months later.
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Weather for Leeds
Saturday 26 May 2012
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Temperature: 9 C to 21 C
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