The funding award comes after Leeds City Council and the Morley Town Deal Board submitted a Town Investment Plan in July.
Morley has won full approval for £24.3m of Towns Fund grant following the submission of outline plans to the Government in July.
The Town Investment Plan featured a range of schemes to deliver on key priorities identified through public consultation.
Plans include new and improved public spaces for the community to enjoy, featuring significant development on the Town Square, Queen Street and local parks and playgrounds.
There will be significant upgrades to travel choices around Morley, with enhanced routes around town and better crossings and junctions to increase safety for pedestrians.
Image: Leeds Government
There's also an exciting plan for a White Rose Innovation Hub which will run alongside a new technology-focused skills campus run by Leeds City College. Both plans will create fantastic skills training and job opportunities for residents and businesses.
Other innovations include enhancing Morley's heritage buildings, bringing more events and activities to the town, and a new heritage grants scheme that will offer businesses the chance to invest in shop fronts and to restore buildings on Queen Street.
With the funding now confirmed, the exciting plans will now move to the design stage with initial project delivery expected to start in 2023. The delivery work is projected to last until 2026.
Image: Leeds Government
Councillor Helen Hayden, Leeds City Council’s executive member for infrastructure and climate, said: “I’m pleased that we have been able to deliver this funding approval for the people of Morley, and I want to congratulate everyone on the hard work that has already gone into the various projects.
“The Town Investment Plan is a real opportunity to build a better future for Morley. Not only will these plans bring essential health, environmental, and transport improvements and secure the town’s heritage, they will deliver excellent education and job opportunities for the future.
Image: Leeds Government
“However, the work to bring the Town Investment Plan to reality is far from over. I encourage everyone in Morley to get involved in future consultation to make the Town Deal a plan that rightly represents the views and needs of local people.”
Following the confirmation of funding, the Morley Town Deal Board and it's partners will hold a public drop-in event at Morley Town Hall for members of the public on Saturday 19 November 2022 between 11am and 1pm. Members of the public are encouraged to attend to find out more about the projects and to ask any questions they may have.
More information about the project can be found here on the Leeds Gov website.
A bookshop in Leeds is inviting its customers to vandalise Harry Potter books for charity.
Well, this is definitely one we haven't seen before.
The Bookish Type on Great George Street in Leeds is a fabulous independently-owned queer bookshop that prides itself on being a safe space for all.
They're raising money for trans healthcare by inviting customers to vandalise Harry Potter novels for just 25p per go.
A bargain if you ask us, and all for a good cause. And don't worry, all the books are second hand and have been donated.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
If you're not understanding the immediate connection between the two, then allow us to fill you in.
J.K. Rowling, the author of the famous Harry Potter novels, has over recent years expressed transphobic comments and anti-trans political beliefs on social media.
Yesterday, Wednesday 25 March, the trailer for the new HBO Max Harry Potter series was released which has encouraged many people to speak out against Rowling and claim she should no longer be supported.
So, The Bookish Type are showing support for the trans community and asking those who feel frustrated to have a doodle and whilst they're at it, donate to a good cause.
If you're not able to make it into the shop, The Bookish Type have said "You will soon be able to donate online and we will personally deface a page with your message/doodle/scribble."
We're absolutely obsessed.
Find out more about The Bookish Type and if you can, pop in for a browse and a doodle whilst you're at it.
Featured image - The Bookish Type Leeds (Supplied)
News
Leeds to be transformed into a giant board game as Trivial Pursuit takes over the city
Clementine Hall
Leeds is set to become a giant board game this summer as Trivial Pursiot arrives in the city centre to celebrate a landmark moment in its history.
To mark 400 years since Leeds was granted its royal charter, LeedsBID (Leeds Business Improvement District) is transforming the city into a live interactive version of Hasbro’s iconic Trivial Pursuit board game, inviting residents and visitors to test their knowledge of all things Leeds.
It follows the huge success of the MONOPOLY Leeds Takeover back in summer 2024 and this year, LeedsBID is once again working with leading game, IP and toy company Hasbro to bring another of its iconic games to life.
This time, the focus is on the stories, achievements and surprising facts that have shaped Leeds over four centuries.
Running from 25 July to 30 August 2026, the free experience will see participants journey across the city centre answering questions and collecting wedges, just like the classic trivia game.
Key locations will represent the six traditional Trivial Pursuit categories: Entertainment, Geography, Sports & Leisure, Science and Nature, History, and Art & Literature.
Matt Proulx, Senior Vice President of Global Experiences, Partnerships and Music at Hasbro said: “After the incredible response to the MONOPOLY Leeds Takeover in 2024, we’re proud to collaborate with LeedsBID once again to reimagine another iconic brand in a bold new way.
"This is exactly how we think about Global Experiences at Hasbro - taking our brands beyond the table and creating experiences that are social, shareable and deeply connected to the communities they celebrate."
Andrew Cooper, Chief Executive of LeedsBID, said: “TRIVIAL PURSUIT Leeds is about celebrating everything about this great city, from those headline facts and figures people know to the lesser-known surprising details and discoveries.
“LeedsBID’s raison d’etre is to put Leeds on the map and tell the stories and successes of the city. Trivial Pursuit Leeds is doing just that, providing a free, fun and entertaining activity for all ages while sharing new and interesting achievements of this amazing place.”
Clementine Hall -
10th October 2022 
