Leeds is set to get a new city-wide tram network as part of a 'transformational' mass transit plan for the region.
Incorporating historic tramlines uncovered by builders at the Corn Exchange last year, the new network will utilise some of the city's long-lost routes as well as creating some brand new ones.
According to reports, the inner-city network is being brought in instead of the long-promised High Speed 2 (HS2) railway link from Leeds to London, which was scrapped by government ministers at the end of last year.
Councillors have now been told that Leeds will now receive an inner-city tram network by way of 'compensation'.
The news follows the announcement that the Manchester to Leeds HS2 leg has officially been scrapped by government ministers, with some hoping that the new tram line will serve as an appeasement to locals.
The idea was first made public by The Mail on Sunday last November, with a government source telling the paper at the time: "We are considering improvements to bring Leeds into line with other cities.”
Back in 2019, Prime Minister Boris Johnson also said it was “madness that Leeds should be the largest city in Europe with no metro rail system”.
Now, it appears that the city is to be 'levelled up' as promised after all.
The old tram network in Leeds ran until 1959. / Image: Patrick Howley
Leeds of course did have a transit system that ran across the city from 1871 – 1959, using a combination of horse-drawn, steam and electric trams over time.
However, due to the trams being deemed unaffordable by the City Council following the Second World War, they ultimately closed – and have been missed in the city ever since.
At present, Leeds is the largest city in Western Europe without a built-in transport system, but if the Birmingham – Leeds line of HS2 is scrapped and new tram plans are approved by ministers, this could become a statistic of the past.
This is not the first time Leeds has been promised a new tram network, however. Plans for a network across the city centre have been going on for quite some time.
The plans were finally 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.
Last summer, builders unearthed historic tram tracks more than 60 years old -leading to calls from the public to restore the lines to their former glory.
Now, at last, residents' calls are being made into a reality - as Leeds City council has confirmed plans to restore the lines and bring trams back to Leeds as early as the end of 2022.
In a statement, Councillor Joe KS Mc'Gee said: "The people of Leeds have long called for the restoration of the city's historic tram lines, and today we can confirm that this desire is finally set to become a reality.
"We are thrilled that the decision has been made to reinstate this integral piece of the city's culture and Leeds is now being brought in line with other major citys across the UK."
A special Pride activation featuring internationally acclaimed contemporary artist Whatshisname has popped up in Leeds.
Marking 20 years of Leeds Pride and 10 years of Victoria Leeds, the exhibition called ‘Two milestones, One Pop of Pride’ is bringing a playful public art experience to the city.
The exhibition, curated by Castle Fine Art located in the Victoria Quarter, features a collection of artworks and oversized sculptures by the artist, whose distinctive creations have earned a global following.
The striking centrepiece of the activation is two of Whatshisname's iconic POPek Balloon Dog sculptures, one is positioned on the central mosaic in Victoria Quarter and the other outside John Lewis in Victoria Gate.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Victoria Leeds centre director, Jo Coburn, said: "This year presents a unique opportunity to celebrate two important milestones for Leeds. As we mark 10 years of Victoria Leeds and 20 years of Leeds Pride, we wanted to create something memorable that reflects the city's creativity, inclusivity and vibrant cultural scene. Whatshisname's work perfectly captures a sense of joy, individuality and self-expression, making it an ideal way to celebrate Pride with our visitors."
Artist, Whatshisname, said: "Bringing the POPek balloon dogs to such a vibrant and culturally rich city as Leeds is an absolute thrill for me. It’s hard to believe it’s been a decade since these playful, cheeky characters first came to life. Over the years, they’ve travelled the world, sparking smiles wherever they go.
“I can’t wait for the people of Leeds to interact with them, feel that sense of nostalgia and humour, and join us in the Victoria Leeds and Leeds Pride celebrations!"
The Whatshisname exhibition will be on display at Victoria Leeds until Monday 27 July.
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.
The Hoot -
1st April 2022 
