The city centre is about to undergo a huge transformation.
Leeds city centre looks almost unrecognisable in new CGI images released by Leeds City Council this week.
The proposed facelift will see the space outside the train station transition into a pedestrian-friendly space with additional cycle lanes and relocation of the taxi rank.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
The only vehicles allowed near the station upon completion will be service deliveries and emergency vehicles, which hopes to make the space safer for pedestrians and an improved experience for commuters arriving in Leeds.
The plans form part of the the Leeds Station Sustainable Travel Gateway scheme, with a whopping £39.5 million investment dedicated to giving a refurb of the areas surrounding the station.
The work is expected to be completed in its entirety in early 2024.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Leeds City Councillor Helen Hayden, executive member for infrastructure and climate, said:
"As well as being part of the delivery of the Leeds Station Sustainable Travel Gateway scheme, the works will contribute to the transformative highways works being delivered across the city which will enable public transport, walking, cycling and public realm plans to be realised in the city."
"“We appreciate these works will cause some disruption and we are working to keep this to a minimum and we thank people in advance for their patience. However the works are essential in order to begin the major transformational work at the entrance to the station, and it’s important that we encourage people to plan ahead to reduce any affect it has on their journey."
Image: Leeds City Council
Due to the vast work ahead, Leeds City Council has warned of additional traffic expected around the area- particularly as both Bishopgate Street and Neville Street will both be reduced down to a single lane for all traffic travelling into the city centre.
Leeds City Council has commented: "The lane closures are expected to last until the end of the year, and come ahead of proposed work to close City Square to through traffic, which is expected to begin from later this year subject to final approval."
"Motorists who would normally drive into the city using these roads are encouraged to plan their journeys and consider alternative ways to travel."
The finale of The Celebrity Traitors is hitting our TV screens next Friday, and there’s a big screening party happening in Leeds especially for it.
Don't panic guys, it's happening.
Fancy sitting down to watch one of the cultural events of the year on a big screen with dozens of others who are just as invested in the show as you are? Well, now you can.
And that’s because Belgrave Music Hall, one of the city’s most beloved event spaces and bars, will be hosting a finale watching party and we’re all invited.
Taking place next Friday 23 January, fans of The Traitors are invited to watch the finale which kicks off 9pm in the canteen.
Best part? The tickets are absolutely free and we've no doubt there'll be some banging drink deals on to get the party started.
We’re already searching our wardrobes for an item of clothing that remotely resembles a cloak.
Announcing the news to Instagram, Belgrave said: "The world famous Traitors finale screening is back at Belgrave! In the past we've been graced with the presence of OG Faithful @theomayne1, plus our Clauds has been known to make an appearance (please scroll for evidence)... twists and turns are promised 👀"
So to give this series of The Traitors a proper send off, get yourself to Belgrave Music Hall from 6pm and enjoy a few beverages with like minded fans whilst screaming at the screen as Claudia makes her way into the frame.
Whilst we're on the topic, has anyone got an incredibly glossy black fringed wig we could borrow?
Johnny Depp supergroup Hollywood Vampires have announced a huge gig in Halifax
Daisy Jackson
Hollywood Vampires are heading back out on tour, with a huge Yorkshire gig announced for this year.
The supergroup, which consists of one of the biggest names in Hollywood as well as one of rock’n’roll’s most iconic names, are set to perform at the AO Arena as part of a run of shows.
Hollywood Vampires is made up of A-lister Johnny Depp, as well as rock royalty including Alice Cooper, and Aerosmith’s Joe Perry, plus Tommy Henriksen.
They last performed with an arena tour back in 2023, making these their first gigs in almost three years.
Hollywood Vampires have now announced a return to the stage, with a show at the iconic Piece Hall in Halifax on 22 August.
They’ll be supported by The Jesus and Mary Chain, who marked their 40th anniversary in 2024 with a new album, Glasgow Eyes.
Johnny Depp supergroup Hollywood Vampires announce Manchester gig. Credit: Aaron Perry
Hollywood Vampires formed in 2012, named after Cooper’s celebrity drinking club of the same name where the aim was reportedly to ‘drink until no one could stand up’.
Over the years, the supergroup has worked with the likes of Paul McCartney, Dave Grohl, and Zak Starkey (formerly the drummer for Oasis).
A Three Presale for tickets will take place from 10am on Wednesday 21 January, followed by a venue presale on Thursday 22 January, then general sale from 10am on Friday 23 January.
Sophie Smith -
18th May 2022 
