Here's why a full-size lighthouse will be built in Leeds

Plans to build a lighthouse in Leeds have been given the seal of approval.

Proposals to erect the lighthouse in the South Bank area as a symbol of the city's arts scene were first suggested when the European Capital of Culture 2023 bid was made.

Despite Leeds being told they will no longer be eligible to bid for the title due to the UK's decision to leave the EU, the council has agreed to stage an independent 'Leeds 2023' year of cultural events.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The lighthouse will be funded by local businesses, and the council confirmed at a Leeds 2023 meeting on Wednesday night that an agreement was already in place to get the project off the ground.

The structure will be the size of a traditional lighthouse and will act as a beacon in one of the city's most important development sites.

A Leeds City Council spokesperson said:

“The Leeds Lighthouse was one of most eye-catching ideas put forward by the people of Leeds, originally in support of our bid to be European Capital of Culture 2023. It has caught the imagination of a local business leader who is talking to us about funding the entire installation. There has have never been any discussion about council funding being used for this project.

“It will celebrate the iconic designs of the great Leeds Civic Engineer John Smeaton, and incorporate an international programme of light, sound and design commissions. It is just one highlight of a six year cultural programme culminating in 2023.”