Last week, Leeds City Council started unveiling its roadwork-free spaces across the city centre- and the new green space outside the Corn Exchange has been more than well received.
Holding a day of celebrations for the new city spaces, which are covered in trees and seats with no vehicle access, the corner of Call Lane was packed with arts, music and dance performances.
The events were all staged on the new pedestrianised area, which has been under construction for the past year. Including performances from Opera North, Foxwood Panyard with bhangra and breakdance performances to keep all ages entertained whilst they perched on a new seat to admire the greenery or take part in craft activities, face painting or learnt new circus skills.
Image: Leeds City Council
Forming an important part of a public realm scheme and a major package of Connecting Leeds highways improvements, (included as a component of the £173.5 million Leeds Public Transport Investment Programme)- if you haven't seen the difference the removal of the roadworks makes, you'll struggle to recognise the Call Lane corner.
Saturday's celebrations marked both the £1.2million public realm scheme and the wider £25m highways improvements project. This included seeing the likes of Regent Street Flyover finally open for full public use, which has been under construction since May 2022.
Regent Street Flyover opened on Friday 13 May 2022. / Image: Leeds City Council
In addition to this, Leeds City Council had been working in tandem with the construction on Meadow Lane, Cookridge Street and Greek Street and made these areas roadwork-free as construction finally came to an end last week.
According to Leeds City Council, the new unveilings “underline the council’s commitment to giving Leeds a greener, better connected and more inclusive city centre.”
During the event, speeches were given by Councillor James Lewis, the leader of the council, and Councillor Helen Hayden, the council’s executive member for infrastructure and climate, as well as important figures from the construction.
Councillor Helen Hayden, Leeds City Council’s executive member for infrastructure and climate, commented that “It was wonderful to see so many people out enjoying themselves at the event – there was a lovely atmosphere and we were delighted to receive plenty of positive feedback.
“We are really proud of the improvements that have been made around the Corn Exchange and this weekend’s celebrations were a great way of showcasing them to the public.
Image: Leeds City Council
Meanwhile, Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin shared her excitement at the new space, stating: “It was great to see so many people making use of this new space to relax.
“Improving cycling and walking forms a key part of my pledge to tackle the climate emergency.
“I'm delighted that the Combined Authority is able to play its part, not only in these schemes but others around our town and city centres, to create more green spaces and space for active travel."
One of the city's best independents is expanding into a bigger premises.
Shokupan on Wellington Street is a proper little gem that food-lovers across Leeds will rave nonstop about if given the opportunity.
Husband and wife team Alan and Alison took inspiration from trips around the world to bring a taste of Japan to the city and over the past few years it's gained a loyal following.
They're famed for their delicious Japanese sandos made with pillow-like fluffy shokupan bread, stuffed with everything from crunchy chicken katsu and flavourful pork to fresh strawberries and whipped cream.
But it's not all just about sandwiches, they also serve rice bowls and katsu curries as well as small bites such as chicken karaage and octopus balls.
Their food is so bloody good, that they've had to find a better location and this time it's slap bang in the city centre on Central Road.
And they're joining brilliant company too, with the likes of House of Koko and Vinyl Grounds as neighbours.
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, Shokupan said: "You guessed right…we are moving to Central Road, LS1 6DE. We are nearly there…
Images: The Hoot Leeds
"All the building work is complete and now we are finishing off the decorating. You might also start to see some signage appearing over the next few days…It has been lovely seeing some of our customers dropping by to see us whilst we slowly lose our sanity.
"Powered on caffeine and determination! Not long to go before we can announce our opening date and welcome you through the doors."
We can't wait to check out the new space, keep an eye on their opening date here.
10 of the best graduation deals in Leeds this celebration season
Clementine Hall
You’ve spent over three years studying and now it’s time to say celebrate so we’ve rounded up some of the best places in Leeds for you to do so.
Those all-nighters in the library are now a distant memory.
It’s time to celebrate all the hard work you’ve put in over the years and what better way to spend it than eating delicious food and raising a toast to yourself.
Whether you’re celebrating with family, friends or a loved one. We’ve sorted you some of the best deals on offer, from free glasses of beer Prosecco, to 2 for 1 cocktails and discounted set menus.
Tattu
29 E Parade, LS1 5PS
Images: The Manc Group
The ‘Power of Wisdom’ set menus are available for £37.50 for lunch and £45.50 for dinner, with graduates receiving an ‘Elixir of Life cocktail’, or a complimentary glass of Prosecco.
Enjoy three courses with a glass of Prosecco on arrival for £55; you can even upgrade to the proper stuff and pay an extra tenner for Moët & Chandon Champagne for each person.
Fancy Italian? Freshly crowned graduates dining from the special set menu can enjoy a bonus Bellini to toast their success.
Flight Club
1-2 S Parade, LS1 5QL
Image: The Hoot Leeds
As a congratulations to the city’s graduating students, Flight Club has lined up a treat for the class of 2026. Any guest with a valid student ID or graduation certificate can raise a toast to the celebrations with a complimentary bottle of prosecco for the group when they book a game of Social Darts.
CrowdedHouse
Level 5 & 6, Trinity Centre, 70 Boar Ln, LS1 6HW
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Enjoy your celebrations whilst taking in jaw dropping panoramic views of the city at Leeds' newest rooftop hangout. Their set menu offering two courses for £26 or three courses for £30 is not one to be missed.
Book a table at one of Leeds' most celebrated restaurants and enjoy a free glass of prosecco as a cheers to you. Available until Sunday 16 July and you must mention graduation when booking.
Uyare
Victoria Gate 3rd Floor, Rooftop, George St, LS2 7AU
Image: The Hoot Leeds
As a graduate, you can enjoy 15% off your bill when you book with the code 'GRADUATESOF26'. Plus, you'll receive a complimentary glass of prosecco to toast the occasion.
Banksia
2 Lower Briggate, LS1 4AE
Images: The Hoot Leeds
At this Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, graduates will eat for free - now that is an offer. Enjoy the special graduate set menu priced at £39 for three courses, with graduates eating for free with two paying customers.
Enjoy Blackhouse Gastrobar's fabulous steaks and seasonal dishes with a free glass of prosecco for every graduate, plus if you're a table of six you'll get an entire bottle on the house. We'll cheers to that.
Sophie Smith -
16th May 2022 
