Stretch those legs in style! Leeds motorway services plan is on the right road

A firm called Extra MSA Group wants to build the Motorway Service Area (MSA) facility at junction 45 of the M1.

Leeds Skelton Lake Services would boast a timber-framed food court-style building as well as a hotel, business centre and filling station.

Extra MSA Group is currently preparing to submit a planning application for the scheme.

If it gets the green light, then the firm estimates it will lead to the creation of 300 full-time equivalent new jobs plus 400 construction job opportunities.

Discussions are already under way with employment advisers to ensure recruitment for the positions is focused on the local area.

An apprenticeship link-up with schools and colleges is also being planned.

Andrew Long, chief executive officer of Extra MSA Group, today predicted that the scheme would be a “truly unique development” at an important gateway site into Leeds.

He said: “Leeds Skelton Lake Services will change perceptions of how an MSA can look and operate to commercial requirements within the surrounding landscape and provide high quality facilities for an excellent customer experience.”

The proposals have been welcomed by the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP), which works to attract new investment and help businesses grow.

LEP chair Roger Marsh said: “These first images of the scheme are a long way from the motorway service areas of the past, which featured dingy concrete designs.”

Mr Marsh also said Extra MSA Group’s investment showed the high level of confidence that exists in the City Region’s prospects.

Further images of how the MSA would look are available to view at www.leedsskeltonlakeservices.co.uk.