Work to transform outside space outside Corn Exchange from 'grey to green' to begin this week

As well as creating safer routes through for cyclists, and crossing points for pedestrians, trees will also be planted along the streets to create a green space and shelter for wildlife.

Leeds City Council and the Corn Exchange owner's Rushbound will also create a new Pavilion building.

This will be be built alongside the new outdoor area designed to host outdoor events and activities, as well as outdoor dining.

The building will be built by Rushbond and is subject to further planning approvals.

Rushbond is proposing a significant capital injection of funding into the scheme.

The rest of the scheme will be funded by part of the £8.6m of match funding from the government’s Getting Building Fund which is part of Leeds’ £12.2m Grey to Green programme.

The money is specifically allocated to support the delivery of “shovel-ready” infrastructure projects to boost economic growth, and fuel local recovery and jobs.

Other areas included in the Grey to Green programme include; Meadow Lane green space - a gateway to the City Park, the Sovereign Square footbridge and Crown Point Road reconfiguration and greening.

Construction will be carried out by John Sisk & Son and is set to be complete by spring 2022.

Councillor Helen Hayden executive member for climate change, transport and sustainable development said: “It is exciting to see this important project come in to fruition in a bid to provide our beautiful Corn Exchange building a befitting setting.

"Removing excess street clutter, planting more greenery, providing safer routes for cyclists and improving the safety of the crossings will transform this key gateway in to one which is central to a vibrant and independent retail, food, drink and day-time and nightlife offer.

“This, alongside the other three inter-related grey to green schemes will help us make Leeds City Centre cleaner and greener; helping to unlock major commercial and residential development across the centre of Leeds, as well as the delivery of private sector investment in to the new City Park; the largest new city centre green space in the region.”

During the work, the upper section of Call Lane will be closed to buses and private hire vehicles.