A bird's-eye view of Leeds, Sheffield, and Yorkshire
X
Leeds
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.
Leeds United fans looking for a crisp pre-match pint, you're in luck.
Why? Because new data has revealed Leeds United as one of the Premier League clubs offering the cheapest pints in their stadium
And it's all down to credit card provider Zable, who analysed the average price of a pint at every Premier League stadium.
You'll be glad to know that Leeds United ranked a very respectable eighth among the Premier League teams with the cheapest pre-match pints, with fans paying an average £5.60 at Elland Road.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
However, supporters can currently get a cheaper drink at pubs around the stadium, where the average pint costs £4.74.
Ipswich Town have the cheapest pint at £3.50, followed by Coventry at £3.60 and Hull City at £3.90.
The top 10 cheapest stadium match day pints:
Ipswich (£3.50)
Coventry (£3.60)
Hull City (£3.90)
Liverpool (£4.80)
Sunderland (£5.00)
Everton (£5.50)
Newcastle United (£5.60)
Leeds United (£5.60)
Bournemouth (£5.60)
Brighton & Hove Albion (£5.80)
Adam McAllister at Zable says: "For many fans, grabbing a pint before kick-off is part and parcel of the matchday experience, but our research shows that where you choose to drink can make a noticeable difference to the price. While stadium pints are often assumed to be more expensive, that's not always the case.
"With the cost of attending football continuing to add up, from tickets and travel to food and drinks, small differences like these can make a real impact on the overall cost of a matchday. Taking a little time to compare prices before heading to the stadium this season could help fans make their money go further, whether they choose to have a pint at the pub or inside the ground."
Leeds Bradford Airport workers to strike over half term, as industrial action escalates in dispute over pay
Clementine Hall
Strikes by almost 130 workers at Leeds Bradford Airport are set to escalate.
If you're planning on catching a flight from Leeds Bradford Airport, then you may want to double check the date.
Last week it was announced that workers were set to strike and bring the airport to complete standstill in a dispute over pay.
Today it has been announced that thestrikes are set to escalate and a second set of strikes have been announced.
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.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "It is wrong that workers at Leeds Bradford Airport are paid far less than those doing the same job at another nearby airport.
"These are essential workers who play a vital role in ensuring the smooth running of the airport and the safety of passengers and deserve fair pay. Unite will always fully back our members taking action at Leeds Bradford Airport.”
The original strikes were due to take place from 03:00 this 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.
The next round of industrial action will now take place from Monday 23 October to Wednesday 2 November, which coincides with the busy half term period.
Unite regional officer Neil Whitaker said: “We appreciate those travelling to and from Leeds Bradford Airport will be concerned to hear that there are further strike dates, but the situation is completely the fault of the airport’s management. It can end this dispute, but that relies on it coming back to the table with a fair deal for our members.”
Clementine Hall -
15th April 2024 
