The proposed first leg of bringing back a mass transit system to Leeds is a route running from Leeds to Bradford.
Plans for a tram system running between Leeds and Bradford have been set out by the Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin.
The plan aims to 'revolutionise the region's transport network', and hope to get spades in the ground in 2028, when construction would begin.
The plans have been published ahead of May's Mayoral election, of West Yorkshire's leaders next week on Thursday 14 March 2024, (it is noted that by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority that this will see them agree to a major step forward for the so-called mass transit scheme). It is hoped that spades will be in the ground in 2028 when construction of the early stage of the project will begin.
The first phase would take the people of Leeds between St James’ Hospital, Leeds City Centre, Elland Road and the White Rose Shopping Centre.
There will also be a Bradford line that will run from Leeds City Centre to Bradford City Centre, and will also like Bradford Forster Square Station with the new Bradford Railways Station.
The idea is that the WYCA would like to work with Kirklees Council in the future to include a Dewsbury line and further phases could see more places across the county connected by mass transit.
🚊 Exciting News for West Yorkshire! 🌟 @MayorOfWY unveils plans for a cutting-edge tram system linking Leeds to Bradford.
— West Yorkshire Combined Authority (@WestYorkshireCA) March 7, 2024
The Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, said: “Today is a key milestone in our plan to create a better-connected region that works for all. By setting out our plans to submit to government, we are taking a major step forward towards the biggest infrastructure project West Yorkshire has seen since the development of the motorways six decades ago.
"This will be transformational for the North, helping our communities to thrive and our economy to flourish - benefitting generations to come with greater opportunity and prosperity.
“We know that mass transit systems have successfully helped to regenerate areas right across the country by boosting connectivity, opportunity and prosperity – and we will work tirelessly to make sure that happens here in West Yorkshire.”
Leeds and its trams
At present, Leeds is the largest city in Western Europe without a built-in transport system, after the past transit system that ran across the city from 1871 – 1959, using a combination of horse-drawn, steam and electric trams over time, was deemed unaffordable by the City Council following the Second World War, they ultimately closed.
There was even a Leeds Supertram plan that was scrapped in 2005 by the Transport Secretary after budget issues, but the proposed track would have served the inner city, both Universities and Headingley.
Leeds supertram plans were disbanded in 2005 but the plans are still available online. / Image: Open Street Map
The three lines would have run from Tingley, Bodington and Grimes Dyke and joined in the city centre at stations on Albion Street, Eastgate, Boar Lane and City Square.
Naturally, it’s been a talking point ever since (so much so it became a bit of an April Fool’s joke last year) and this is not the first time Leeds has been promised a new tram network.
Back in 2019, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said it was “madness that Leeds should be the largest city in Europe with no metro rail system”.
Plans for a network across the city centre have been going on for quite some time, back in 2021 when it was briefly reported that ministers could consider an inner-city tram network instead of HS2 before the news was quietly confirmed by the now Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at his keynote speech in October that the leftover money will be used to build a tram network in Leeds.
Read More:
Leeds tram tracks hidden for more than 60 years unearthed during city centre roadworks
Scottish singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi is heading to Roundhay Park in Leeds for a headline festival performance.
Lewis Capaldi is officially back and this time he's headlining a brand-new festival in our very own Roundhay Park.
Lots of Leeds music lovers might be flocking to the beloved park this weekend, and if you are then we've got all the details you need.
Let's get into it...
Gig guide | Pitbull at Roundhay Festival, Leeds
Lewis Capaldi will be performing at Roundhay Festival this Saturday 4 July 2026.
Are there any tickets left for Lewis Capaldi at Roundhay Park, Leeds?
Yes, there are still tickets available.
General admission standing tickets cost £92.95 and you can get yours here.
Lewis Capaldi setlist for UK festival tour
Of course we can't say exactly what Lewis' set list will be, because he's not done it yet.
However, he has been kicking off his festival tour over in Dublin so we've got a rough idea of what he'll be treating us to.
Hollywood
Grace
Heavenly Kind of State of Mind
Wish You the Best
Love the Hell Out of You
Almost
Forever
Bruises
Go Your Own Way(Fleetwood Mac cover)
Pointless
Something in the Heavens
Before You Go
Fade
The Day That I Die
Hold Me While You Wait
Forget Me
Have You Ever Seen The Rain?
Survive
Someone You Loved
What other artists are on the 4 July Roundhay Festival lineup?
Conan Gray
Jessie Murph
Jacob Alon
Kerr Mercer
Nieve Ella
Ber
Maya Lane
What are the stage times for Lewis Capaldi's headline Roundhay Festival?
Last entry for all shows is 8.30pm with box office closing slightly earlier at 8pm and any headliner expected to wrap up their set by 10.30pm.
Getting to Roundhay Park
Car
Just a 10 minute walk from Roundhay Festival's West Entrance is Connaught Fields which is the closest parking option.
Or, if you're up for a walk and want something more cost-effective, Fearnville Park and Stride is a 30 minute walk away, with parking spaces on the grass fields and a scenic country path which leads you to the festival.
Accessible parking can be found on Mansion Lane with a clear pathway to the event with spaces needing to be pre-booked when purchasing your ticket at no extra cost.
Bus/ coach
A dedicated shuttle bus service has been set up to and from Roundhay Festival running every 20 minutes from 11am to 8pm on Sovereign Street, just four minutes from Leeds Train Station.
The last shuttle bus from Roundhay Park back to the city centre will depart at 12.30am with clear signposting and stewards on hand for any gig goers.
Roundhay Festival has also partnered with Big Green Coach meaning concert attendees can hop on from a wide range of pick-up points across the UK from Wakefield all the way to Coventry - more info HERE.
Car/ taxi drop off
Vehicles heading to Roundhay Festival should follow marked signs for 'Pick-up/ Drop-Off points'.
Drivers should not attempt to pick-up or drop-off from any of the nearby roads aside from those already designated via signage: North Pick-up/ Drop-off via Park View Crescent | South Pick-up/ Dro-off via Wetherby Road.
Extra Info
All travel updates and road closures on event days will be announced and regularly checked HERE.
‘This hasn’t been an easy decision’ – beloved Leeds city centre pub announces shock closure
Clementine Hall
After 12 fantastic years of pouring pints for the city, Tapped Leeds has shut its doors.
Whether or not you enjoy a pint or two, you will have walked past and noticed Tapped Leeds if you often frequent the city centre.
Standing proudly on Boar Lane, Tapped was always full of punters looking for a few drinks before hopping on or hopping off the train.
Known for their ever-changing taps and on-site brewing where you could watch the masters at work, it was a real staple of the Leeds beer scene.
But after 12 years, the owners have made the tough decision to pour their very last pint.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Announcing the news, Tapped Leeds said: "After 12 incredible years pouring beers, brewing on site and being part of the amazing Leeds beer scene, we're announcing that Tapped Leeds will be closing its foors for the final time this Sunday 28 June.
"This hasn't been an easy decision, but as our lease comes towards renewal we feel now is the right time for us to call last orders on this chapter.
"From the very first pint poured on Boar Lane, we've been lucky enough to welcome thousands of amazing customers through our doors. Whether you joined us for a quick pint after work, discovered a new favourite beer from our ever-changing taps, watched our brewers at work, or shared one of our freshly-made pizzas with friends - you've all helped make Tapped what it became.
"We're incredibly proud of everything we've achieved: the beers we've brewed, the friendships made, the team members who've been part of the journey, and the role we've played in Leeds' brilliant independent beer community."
We're incredibly sad to see them go, and we wish them all the best for the future.
Sophie Smith -
8th March 2024 
