New strategy to help Leeds grow

An innovative new growth strategy aimed at giving all of Leeds a chance to make the most of the city’s economic boom has been launched.

The draft of the Leeds Inclusive Growth Strategy was recently approved by the city’s senior councillors, with businesses and stakeholders now being invited to have their say.

Businesses are additionally being asked to pledge support and adopt the values set out in the strategy, which will help companies to deliver growth that is sustainable, inclusive and benefits all Leed’s communities.

The 12 key areas the strategy focuses on include: putting children at the heart of the city’s growth; improving careers advice and opportunities for all; improving the quality of jobs; tackling low pay and in-work progression; and boosting productivity.

Communities will also be better equipped when responding to economic changes through improved housing, investment in neighbourhoods, and the transformation of town centres into economic and service hubs.

The size of the city centre would be doubled, with new jobs, homes and a city park in the south Bank, an Innovation District around the universities and hospital, and a rebuilt and revitalised Leeds Train Station.

The launch of the strategy comes as Leeds boasts its highest level of completed developments for a decade. The city’s business tourism has also been valued at £500m and Leeds is the fifth most popular conference destination in the UK.

Judith Blake, leader of Leeds City Council, said: “Leeds is enjoying a period of unprecedented prosperity and growth, with a vibrant, successful and resilient economy filled with innovation and enterprise.

“But it’s crucial that the city as a whole benefits from that success and that the people of Leeds remain at the heart of how we work with businesses and developers, both now and in the future.

“Alongside partners in the private sector, our aim is to stimulate inclusive growth which reduces inequality through a strategy that provides job opportunities for everyone, brings down unemployment and increases wages.

“There’s no question we need to do more to ensure everyone in the city both contributes to and benefits from the success of our economy. By pledging their support for this strategy and making its core values a key part of how they operate, businesses can be part of securing a more balanced, sustainable and successful Leeds economy than ever before.”