If successful, this could amount to £186 million worth of investment in Leeds.
Leeds City Council has submitted multiple funding bids for six constituencies to receive funding to transform communities across Leeds.
The Levelling Up Fund is now in its second round, and Leeds City Council hopes to receive a portion of the funding to dedicate to areas like Morley, Armley, Holbeck, the River Aire corridor and further out into the North East and North West of Leeds.
The plans could see a total of £186 million worth of investment: up to £120 million from the Levelling Up Fund, then a further £56.3 million from partners and grants for economic growth, health and wellbeing inequalities, and a £8.7m match funding contribution from Leeds City Council.
In a press release, Leeds City Council explained that there were six bids in total, and each would target a different area of Leeds' development:
The Leeds Central bid aims to renew Holbeck's local infrastructure, including a transformation of the local community centre, green spaces and deliver green retrofit property repairs.
Armley Gyratory / Image: Leeds City Council
Leeds West's bid would also focus on green spaces with development across five community parks, travel connections, and the high street in Armley that prioritises public transport and pedestrians.
North West Leeds has focused on a package of two "intrinsically linked" projects that would invest in transport infrastructure as a way of making the 90 acre North West Leeds employment hub site more accessible.
Similarly, the bid for North East Leeds prioritises transport by looking to offer new sustainable methods of travel. This would include options through a new park and ride site and the provision of high-quality segregated walking, cycling, and dedicated bus infrastructure along one of the main corridors. This area was chosen to "connect North East Leeds with the city centre and relieving the communities along the corridor" in an increasingly eco-friendly way.
The existing Fearnville Leisure Centre would also see a 6000 m² wellbeing centre as part of the Leeds East bid. The council has stated that this would be an important part of "allowing for the revitalisation of a rapidly deteriorating facility to serve some of the most deprived communities in Leeds".
The bid for Elmet and Rothwell, is all about linking the River Aire through a "coherent connected corridor", focusing on creating a new visitor welcome building at the RSPB St Aidan’s Nature Reserve.
St Aidan's Nature Reserve. / Image: RSPB
Councillor James Lewis Leader of Leeds City Council, said: “We have put together six ambitious bids and they represent a real opportunity to build on the great work taking place across Leeds to regenerate our local communities, delivering 21st Century infrastructure and create meaningful jobs.
“The scale and ambition of the bids also reflect the incredible amount of work put into their development and I must extend a sincere thank you to teams from Asset Management and Regeneration, Highways and Transportation, and Parks and Countryside along with their partners and consultants.”
Now that the bids have been submitted, the proposals will be evaluated by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.
The outcome of the bids is expected to be announced with the Autumn statement.
Feature Image- Leeds City Council
Leeds
Viral Yorkshire shop urges visitors to avoid weekends as huge queues form
A viral apothecary shop in Yorkshire has warned visitors about huge queues forming outside its doors, urging people to visit during the week if they want to avoid the crowds.
The Cabinet of Curiosities in Haworth has become a popular destination for those looking to really get into the autumn spirit.
And it seems like there's a lot of people who are looking to do so, as huge queues have been forming along the quaint cobbled streets of Haworth.
So much so, that owner Carolin had to issue a statement via The Cabinet of Curiosities Instagram page.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
It reads: "Weekends in Haworth have become particularly busy during Autumn and we are so grateful to all those lovely souls who have patiently queued to visit the shop.
"We are so honoured that you are happy to wait to come in to our magical apothecary shop, and I can’t quite believe it when I look out of the windows and see the queue snaking up the cobbles. Be assured that the queue does move fast and it makes for a far more pleasurable visit if there are fewer people in the shop at once.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
"If you would rather avoid the busy times it’s best to visit during the week if you can. Our shop is open 7 days a week 10-5, but to make sure all the shops in Haworth are open then Wednesday, Thursday and Friday are probably the best days to visit.
"We are doing our best to keep up with restocking and our fabulous workshop witches are busy blending, filling and packing every day to keep to keep the shelves stocked. We are humbled and forever grateful that you love our little shoppe, and hope you enjoy your potions and your visit to The Cabinet of Curiosities."
Leeds Bradford Airport issue statement as 130 workers prepare to strike
Clementine Hall
Leeds Bradford Airport is set for a standstill as almost 130 workers are set to take industrial action over pay.
If you're planning on catching a flight from Leeds Bradford Airport, then you may want to double check the date.
The Unite members planning on going on strike are a mixture of air traffic control workers, customer experience staff, security staff and cleaners.
The workers involved in the dispute have recently come out of a four-year pay deal, with some of the departments having fallen behind other airports in equivalent roles.
Pay talks have been happening since December 2025, with the airport's formal offer not going far enough to address the lack of pay parity.
Strikes will take place from 03:00 Friday 16 October to 06:00 Sunday 18 October for hourly paid staff and from 06:00 Friday 16 October to 06:00 Sunday 18 October for air traffic control workers.
Strike will mean the entire airport will shut down.
Since the announcement, Leeds Bradford Airport have issued a statement: "Leeds Bradford Airport acknowledges the proposed industrial action due to take place between 16-18 October involving a group of operational colleagues.
"We respect the right of employees to participate in lawful industrial action. However, we are disappointed by this and do not believe strike action is the right way to resolve the issues still under discussion.
"The airport has made what we believe is a fair and responsible offer that is significantly above inflation and reflects both current economic conditions and the need to ensure the long-term sustainability of the business.
"Our priority now is to minimise disruption for customers, many of whom have worked hard and saved for important holidays, family visits and business travel. At this stage we anticipate running near-normal operations during the period.
"Leeds Bradford Airport plays a vital role in connecting Yorkshire to the world. Industrial action has the potential to cause inconvenience for thousands of customers and local businesses who rely on those connections.
"We remain committed to constructive dialogue with Unite and would welcome continued discussions aimed at reaching a resolution. Our focus remains on serving Yorkshire, supporting our colleagues and maintaining safe airport operations."
Sophie Smith -
15th August 2022 
