£24m of investment confirmed for Morley

Morley’s Town Investment Plan, developed with local councillors and residents, outlined ambitious plans to help transform the town, with improvements to some of its most iconic buildings.

And, following the receipt of a £24.3m grant from the Government’s towns fund, Morley is now able to press on with its plans.

Reported earlier this year, the towns bid stated that the New Pavilion Skills Campus – on the site of the former Orbit/After Dark night club – would see the historic site redeveloped into a “high-quality adult skills hub”.

Other planned work includes improvements to Morley Town Hall and Town Square, “delivering a high-quality refurbishment of the Grade I listed building and developing a cluster of arts and culture spaces”.

An improvement to the so-called Morley Station Gateway, would help “better connect the train station to the town centre and wider Morley area.”

Leeds City Council says work will now begin on developing the approved projects in further detail over the next year.

Coun Helen Hayden Leeds City Council’s executive member for climate change, transport and sustainable development, said: “I am delighted to see this investment pledged to help Morley build on its esteemed history, better connecting the town, developing the skills and opportunities for its residents, and enhancing its greenspaces for future generations to come.

“This past year has been extremely challenging for many residents and local businesses in Morley due to Covid-19, but I hope the major investment in the area, one which could not have been possible without their views and ideas, will help support the town to recover and look forward to a successful, thriving future. I am excited for these projects to be developed further in the coming months.”

Andrea Jenkyns, MP for Morley and Outwood, said: “The announcement in the budget represents an exciting moment in the story of Morley with the government investing over £24m into our town.

“I am excited to see how these projects develop and truly believe that they will deliver on the vision laid out for the future of Morley as part of the Town Investment Plan.”

Gerald Jennings, chairman of the Morley Town Deal Board, said: “This announcement marks an important and exciting moment for Morley, both as a historic town and as a vibrant community. Our investment plan could not have been possible without the views of local residents and businesses, and it is clear that their passion to build proudly on our town’s history and unique identity has been heard.

“Having only submitted our bid at the end of January, we are delighted to see the compelling nature of our proposals rewarded so swiftly, and look forward to working with our partners and the community to ensure we deliver on the vision we all share for what Morley can be.”