Plans for Leeds to house the ‘largest new city-centre green park in the country’ to be considered
"Leeds city centre has a real lack of green space, as a city we have a lot of it, but as a centre we have too little of it so that is a real positive."
The new proposals come alongside the next phases of development for Aire Park in Leeds city centre.
Aire park is a major redevelopment by Vastint UK that looks to completely transform the former Tetley Brewery site into a mixed neighbourhood consisting of homes, offices, retail, leisure and public outdoor spaces.
At the centre of the plans is an ambition to create "largest new city-centre green park in the country".
The first part of this green space, known as Tetley Green, opened this year and is connected to the Aire Park area by the new Theatre Garden which features raised flower beds and seating.
Image: Vastint UK
Completing Aire Park and achieving the latest plans would involve the demolition of some already existing buildings, according to the planning documents.
However if approved, the proposals would see Aire Park fully completed in 2032.
According to the Leeds Civic Trust, changes already made to the area have been "significant".
Martin Hamilton, Leeds Civic Trust's director said: "Bringing back a positive use to this area and creating a huge new city centre park is a big gain.
Image: Vastint UK
"Leeds city centre has a real lack of green space, as a city we have a lot of it, but as a centre we have too little of it so that is a real positive.
"There is a slight disappointment it wasn't possible to retain a gallery use on site though, this is a huge commercial site and having one pocket as an independent not-for-profit function seems to the Leeds Civic Trust like it could have been a better way of doing things.
"All I would say is 'the devil is in the detail' and what we really want to see is high quality architecture."
Leeds City Council's panel will view a pre-application presentation on the next phase of developments this Thursday.
Britain's 20 biggest cities have been ranked, and Leeds has done pretty well.
Although, you wouldn't be able to tell judging by the overwhelmingly lacklustre description we've been given.
The listing comes from The Telegraph and ranks Britain's 20 biggest cities from worst to best, taking into account visitor appeal and where offers most to tourists.
Leeds comes in at a very respectable number 10, however judging from what they've said about our city you'd think we were much, much lower.
Kicking things off, the description reads: "There’s an untidy quality to Leeds, borne of a patchwork of periods in its built environment and the fact that a lot of regeneration is underway (cranes rise at every corner)."
Image: Unsplash
Yep, not off to a good start but it's only down hill from there as Leeds is then said to have a 'certain shapelessness'.
But perhaps the worst part is yet to come: "There are some ugly, run-down streets very close to the centre, and while the Headrow and other high streets have a fair number of shops, there’s no real boulevard or grand square.
"The most atmospheric spaces are Queens Arcade and perpendicular Cross Arcade, and Thornton’s Arcade; Grand Arcade is also Victorian but looks and feels less uplifting."
By the end it starts to get slightly more positive, emphases on 'slightly': "Leeds’ strongest points might be its small size and its north-central location; it’s easy to walk everywhere inside the city, and a short ride away are Ilkley, Skipton and the Dales."
Our visitor appeal gained a 6.5/10, beating Cardiff, Sheffield, Brighton and Nottingham.
Taking the top spot was Liverpool followed by Edinburgh, Belfast and Glasgow. Read the full ranking here.
An award-winning Sardinian restaurant made famous in Sheffield is now opening in Leeds
Clementine Hall
This family-run restaurant has chosen Leeds as their second location, and we're very glad they have.
Introducing Domo, a Sardinian independent born in Sheffield that is loved by many for its delicious food, inviting atmosphere and stellar service.
Run by Raffaele Busceddu and Sarah May Elliott, Domo serves a range of traditional Sardinian specialities from homemade pasta dishes to show-stopping grills.
They've also got a banging cocktail menu full of signature serves and refreshing spritz, perfect for enjoying with friends over some delicious sharing plates.
Images: The Sheff
They've been teasing a second site for some time now but finally the cat is firmly out of the bag as they've announced they'll be bringing Domo to Leeds.
But where might you ask? Well, none other than the scenic location of the Lockside overlooking the canal.
Slotting right in next to BAKE, they're going to be in very good company indeed.
Image: The Sheff
Announcing the exciting news to Instagram, Domo said: "So most of you guessed it right...it’s been a long time coming but Domo 2.0 is finally cooking.
"Here’s a little sneak peek at our week which we’ve mostly spent admiring the views and getting to know the new neighbours …. If you can guess where it is there’s a glass of bubbly on us next time we see you. To be continued ………"
That's all the information we have so far, but we'll keep you in the loop as and when we find out more.
We can't wait to have you here in Leeds Domo, but for now we'll pop round to Sheffield to get our Domo fix and we highly suggest you do too.
Clementine Hall -
15th April 2024 
