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HS2 in Leeds scrapped in favour of Oyster cards and quicker trains to Manchester
The Prime Minister announced the changes this morning but the full extent of the Northern Powerhouse rail that will replace HS2 in Leeds will be announced later today.
Despite an offering of £96 billion, the rail improvement programme is expected to transform public transport rather than bring high speed rail infrastructure (HS2) to Leeds.
The plans were announced this morning online, but are said to be confirmed by Transport Secretary Grant Shapps later on today.
HS2 is expected to be fully completed by the late 2030s. / Image: HS2 Ltd
HS2 would have originally connected Leeds with London, as well as Birmingham and Manchester, but it is the eastern leg of the HS2 plans that are now set to be scrapped in favour of improving existing services.
Outlining the new plans, the Prime Minister announced that the Northern Powerhouse Rail, the new rail improvement programme, will cut the journey from Leeds to Manchester to just 33 minutes and double train capacities.
Boris Johnson also announced that HS2 will be a fixture in Sheffield, but not necessarily in Leeds.
The journey from Sheffield to London is expected to take 1 hour 27 minutes under the new plans and the government will "look at how to get HS2 to Leeds too, with a new study on the best way to make it happen".
Under the new proposed rail scheme, the journey from Leeds to Bradford will be cut to 12 minutes and improvements will be made to Wakefield and Doncaster lines on an upgraded East Coast Main Line.
The Trans-Pennine Main Line will also be expanded, along with the Midland Main Line, by the early 2030s.
"By later this decade, Leeds will no longer be the largest city in Europe without a metro because we today commit to build West Yorkshire Mass Transit, and to the funding needed to see it through.
The Prime Minister arrived at Kings Cross station this morning to catch a train to the North of England as part of his Integrated Rail Plan tour. / Image: Andrew Parsons
The full announcements of these plans will be unveiled over the coming days, though most of the information is expected to be covered by the Transport Secretary's announcement later today.
It's time to say goodbye to one of Leeds' most recognisable shops.
One of Leeds’ most iconic shops is set to undergo a major makeover - as Harvey Nichols is reportedly leaving Briggate after three decades.
The luxury department store has been a staple in the heart of Leeds since 1996, but its days under the famous Harvey Nichols name are coming to an end.
It has been reported that the store is set to become a Flannels, following the takeover of Harvey Nichols by Frasers Group earlier this year.
The brand was bought by Frasers Group after the luxury retailer entered administration in August.
At the time, Frasers said the business had faced “sustained trading and operational challenges” and that significant restructuring would be needed.
Now, Frasers boss Michael Murray has confirmed that Leeds and Bristol are the two stores set to lose the Harvey Nichols name and become Flannels.
Murray has said the group plans to invest in its Manchester store, while the future of the Knightsbridge flagship in London is also being considered.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
For Leeds, though, it means saying goodbye to a name that has been part of the city for almost 30 years.
And with another Flannels already sitting just a stone’s throw away, there are plenty of questions about what the change will mean for the city's already luxury-heavy retail offering.
Whether you've dined in the beautiful Fourth Floor Brasserie restaurant or enjoyed browsing the beauty hall over the years, we all have our own memories of Harvey Nichols and there's no doubt it will be missed.
For now, there’s no confirmed date for exactly when the Harvey Nichols name will leave Leeds but we will keep you updated.
Leeds microbrewery launches Crowdfunder campaign to open city centre taproom
Clementine Hall
A popular microbrewery in Leeds has launched a £40k Crowdfunder campaign to help them open a new taproom in the city centre.
Born in 2020, Tartarus Beers set out with the aim to produce high quality craft beer with a 'mythical edge'.
From a 100L kit to a 2500L brewery in Sheepscar just outside of Leeds city centre, they have grown to have a small cult following over the years.
They closed their Sheepscar taproom back in 2025, and now they're setting their sites on another location in the city centre so customers can enjoy a freshly poured pint of their lager, IPA or stout.
Images: Tartarus Brewery
And to help them get there, Tartarus have launched a Crowdfunder campaign of £40k asking their following to donate whatever they can to help them reach their goal.
Announcing the news to Instagram, Tartarus said: We are opening a bar in Leeds and would love your help!
"So many of you have asked when we would be opening our taproom or bar! We are excited to say the time is now!... or, well soon. Location to be announced but we can confirm it's in Leeds.
"We have launched a crowdfund and would love for you to get involved...We hope to see you all soon, at the Tartarus Tap!"
Images: Tartarus Brewery
"Expect international beers on tap and in the fridges, plus special events where we will be hosting international breweries! We will of course have a wide range of Tartarus Beers available on tap & in the fridges, plus meads, wines & no-low options. Oh and don't forget the rare bottles from our secret cellar."
So far, the campaign has raised £7,000 with prizes such as a branded t shirt, vouchers and discount cards available as incentives depending on how much you donate.
You can donate to the Tartarus Tap Crowdfunder here.
Sophie Smith -
18th November 2021 
