Latest news with #JonathanPryor
BBC News
5 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Shipping container food venue to launch at market in Leeds
A new food and drink venue built from "stacked" repurposed shipping containers is set to open in Leeds. The venue will become part of Kirkgate Market and will be spread over two floors and feature 10 food outlets, six bars, a coffee shop, large screens and a stage. Leeds City Council has confirmed that once all licences and planning applications are approved work could start in early 2026 with a view to the venue opening later that year.A council spokesperson said the new venue would be "very much part of Kirkgate Market" and part of the local authority's commitment to backing and investing in it. The development – which is also expected to create 160 jobs – will increase footfall and "broaden the customer base" for the whole market site, they added. The construction costs will be paid for by leisure company STACK and the rental payments will generate a new income stream for the outdoor market currently has room 185 stalls but only around 85 of those are filled, even on its busiest when STAACK launches, the number of pitches would be reduced and the reconfigured area would still be able to "comfortably accommodate" all existing traders – as well as new arrivals, confirmed the council. Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council's deputy leader, said: "Every person heading to STACK Leeds will also be a potential shopper, whether that's on the day or during a return visit."It is this kind of new custom – combined with the much-appreciated support of existing shoppers – that will help the site's many and varied businesses prosper for years to come."Further STACK venues opened in 2024 in Lincoln, Middlesbrough and at Newcastle United's St James' Park Winch, STACK's chief executive officer, said: "While STACK continues to grow across the UK, our focus remains on creating spaces that celebrate local culture, support independent businesses and provide somewhere people can come together to enjoy great food, drink and live entertainment." He added: "Our offer will complement the fantastic outdoor and indoor market by attracting a new audience and, by opening seven days a week from early morning until late, we'll help drive footfall and support the market's wider ecosystem." Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
BBC News
6 days ago
- Automotive
- BBC News
Leeds roundabout improvements to last 12 months
Work to improve safety on one of the busiest roundabout junctions in Leeds is due to begin on 11 August, the council has users have been warned of "significant construction work" near Lawnswood roundabout junction on the A6120 Outer Ring Road and A660 Otley Road for about 12 City Council said between 2020 and 2024 there were 25 recorded injuries, six of which were serious, at the work is being funded by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) through the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement and the West Yorkshire Plus Transport Fund Corridor Improvement Programme Phase 2. About 50,000 vehicles pass through the roundabout every day and the council said the junction lacks adequate crossing facilities and is a major barrier for walking and cycling, especially given its proximity to Lawnswood council's deputy leader Jonathan Pryor said: "Having a junction with poor safety record right next to a school is essential to fix, so I am delighted to see the works starting this month."It's vitally important we address the safety of drivers and all road users, all as part of our Vision Zero strategy to work towards eliminating all traffic fatalities and severe injuries by 2040." Key elements of the plan include making it a signalised roundabout with signalised pedestrian and cycle crossing facilities as well as creating segregated cycle will also be an extension to the existing southbound bus lane on Otley Road and reduced speed limits from 70mph on the A6120 Ring Road, between King Lane and Lawnswood council also said it needs to create "attractive alternatives" to driving such as more reliable bus routes. Peter Carlill, deputy chair of the WYCA, added: "By improving crossings, reducing vehicle speeds, and introducing cycle lanes, we're helping ensure Lawnswood junction is a place where everyone can travel easily and safely."It's an important step towards a greener, more accessible, and better-connected region." Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
BBC News
01-08-2025
- General
- BBC News
Revamp of Armley Gyratory completed with new footbridges
A £40m scheme to revamp a major Leeds junction has been completed after three years of work. Newly built footbridges over Armley Gyratory have been opened, marking the end of the final phase of work on the redevelopment. It followed the earlier completion of changes to the road layout at the junction, which is one of the major access routes into and out of Leeds city centre. Leeds City Council thanked drivers for their patience during the works, which have been designed to make the gyratory safer and to reduce city centre traffic. The replacement footbridges span Wellington Road, Spence Lane and Gelderd Road. The council said the previous footbridges, which have been demolished, had been of poor standard and were approaching "expiry". More than 660 trees have also been planted in the area as part of the overall Jonathan Pryor, the local authority's deputy leader, said: "We would like to thank everyone involved in working on this scheme, along with people's ongoing patience while this essential project was carried out."Although it's great to see this project complete, we're conscious that there's still a lot of other work taking place around the city and we are working hard to deliver these as swiftly as possible while minimising disruption wherever we can." Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
BBC News
27-07-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Public park opens as South Bank project continues in Leeds
A new public park has opened as work continues to redevelop the South Bank area of 1.5-acre (6,200 sq m) Central Park forms part of the Aire Park regeneration project, which aims to deliver more than 1,350 homes and eight acres (32,374 sq m) of green space, as well as commercial and retail complete, the development will feature play areas and woodland, as well as events spaces for markets and Pryor, Leeds City Council's deputy leader, said: "We want Leeds to be a city filled with places that are perfect for work, rest and play, and Aire Park's lawns and gardens will give people plenty of opportunity for doing all of that and more." The launch of Central Park follows the opening of a new green space in front of the Tetley are under way to extend the park behind the building - converting what is currently brownfield land into four acres of green space - as well as south of Crown Point Road. Developers hope to complete the Aire Park project by 2030, with plans to include 700 new trees and more than 100 varieties of design has seen collaboration between landscaping experts including Planit Leeds, Moortown and Palmers. Phillip Porter, Planit's principal landscape architect, said: "Aire Park is a unique project in the UK. "One that provides a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape a vast disused industrial part of a city and leave an unparalleled gift to current and future generations."Stephen Lindley, managing director of developer Vastint UK, said the project had already welcomed its first commercial said: "As the wider development and the park continues to grow, with the addition of its event space and play area, so too will its sense of community as Aire Park becomes a go-to destination within the city to work, meet and socialise, or simple relax and enjoy nature." Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
ITV News
25-07-2025
- Sport
- ITV News
Full list of road closures for first Leeds Ironman triathlon
Residents are being warned of "significant traffic disruption" as Leeds hosts its first ever Ironman triathlon this weekend. Thousands of spectators are expected to descend on Roundhay Park and surrounding areas on Sunday, 27 July, Around 2,500 athletes will take part in the event, which includes a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride, and a marathon. Several roads across north Leeds will be temporarily closed to keep everyone safe. The park has hosted shorter distance triathlons in previous years, but this is the first full-length event of its kind. Lewis Peacock, race director for Ironman Leeds, said: 'We can't wait to welcome thousands of athletes to the home of triathlon as the very first Ironman Leeds heads to town. 'It's set to be an incredible day of racing and a great moment to have a full distance Ironman race return to England for the first time since 2023. "The spectator support in Roundhay Park is expected to be massive." The race will start at 6am in Roundhay Park, with spectator zones, food stalls, live music throughout the park and surrounding areas. The event's second discipline, the bike race, begins and ends in Roundhay Park and will cover three loops of a circular route that runs through or near communities such as Shadwell, Thorner, Bardsey, Wike, Harewood, Eccup, Arthington, Adel and Alwoodley. The main road closures to be aware of: - Carr Lane (Shadwell to Thorner): Closed 6am-3.30pm - Bramham Road and part of Thorner Road (east of Thorner): Closed 6am-3.30pm - A61 Harrogate Road (A659 Harewood to Wike Lane): Closed 7am-4.30pm - A61 Harrogate Road (Wike Lane to Wigton Approach): Closed 7am-5.30pm - Alwoodley Lane (King Lane to A61): Eastbound closed 7.30am-5.30pm North Park Grove, Gledhow Avenue, Jackson Avenue, Old Park Road, and part of Street Lane in Roundhay will be closed most of Sunday. More information about road closures along the cycling and running routes along with suggested diversions can be found here. Park Avenue, near Lakeside Café, will be closed from 6am Saturday to 5pm Monday. Cllr Jonathan Pryor said the event is another big moment for the city. He said: 'The road closures that are needed for the safe operation of the event will inevitably cause some disruption and we thank the public in advance for their patience and understanding. 'Please do take the time, if you haven't already, to familiarise yourself with all the relevant traffic and travel arrangements and how they might affect your plans.' Crossing points will be in place, and emergency access will remain fully open. Pedestrians can cross routes where it is safe. Local triathletes the Brownlee brothers have sparked interest in the sport, and a strong crowd is expected to support competitors on Sunday.
