The mayor confirmed that "work already underway" live on air.
In an interview with BBC Radio Leeds, Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin made the promise to get 'spades in the ground' on a mass transit system by the time she leaves her role as mayor.
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.
The mayor confirmed that "work already underway" in an interview with BBC Radio Leeds last week. / Image: Unsplash
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.
"We're definitely going to see spades in the ground on mass transit before I end up not being mayor...we're looking at surface, so trams", said Mayor of West Yorkshire to BBC Radio Leeds.
"The technology, we want to be ahead of the game we want the best tech, the most innovative , the greenest , the cleanest and also the cheapest. So we're going to have an amazing system."
"It's a long haul but I'm in for it"
Trams have been a talking point in Leeds for as long as anyone can remember. / Image: Unsplash
BBC Radio Leeds Breakfast Presenter Rima Ahmed pushed the mayor to confirm, asking "Is this a promise that you can make us then, by the time that you are no longer mayor Tracy Brabin, whenever that might be, that we have spades in the ground to get going on the mass transport system?"
Tracy responded: "Yes, I can promise you because we're already underway."
"I can't promise that the government are going to continue giving us the funding, it's a £2 billion project, we have £200 million currently to start the work, but I am pressing government to confirm that, whoever is the government, that they will continue investing in mass transit."
Should people be charged to park in Leeds’ parks and green spaces? 🏞💵
Mayor of West Yorkshire @TracyBrabin thinks it will encourage people use their cars less often. 🚙
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.
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”.
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 -
16th January 2023 
