Leeds City Centre Pedestrian and Cycling Scheme Begins

Major works start to improve walking and cycling routes

Construction has commenced on the Leeds City Links scheme, a £12.76 million project aimed at enhancing pedestrian and cyclist safety and accessibility in Leeds city centre. The works, funded through the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) and delivered in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, will upgrade key routes linking the northern and southern parts of the city centre with surrounding communities.

Scope of the scheme

The project focuses on two main corridors within the city centre:

• Northern corridor: Great George Street (from Leighton Street to Woodhouse Lane), the Great George Street/Merrion Street/Woodhouse Lane junction, and Merrion Street (from Woodhouse Lane to New Briggate).
• Southern corridor: Kirkgate, Wharf Street, and High Court (from Leeds Minster to Shears Yard); The Calls, Call Lane, Swinegate, Concordia Street, and Sovereign Street (from Shears Yard to Sovereign Street junction).

Key improvements planned

Works will include:

• Widening pavements to provide more space for pedestrians and potential outdoor seating areas.
• Installation of segregated two-way cycle tracks along the full length of both corridors to ensure safe cycling routes separate from vehicle traffic.
• Selective reduction of on-street parking to accommodate wider pavements and cycle lanes.
• New or enhanced pedestrian crossings positioned on more direct desire lines, featuring straight-across crossings.
• Separated cycle crossings at junctions to improve safety.
• Major enhancements to the Great George Street/Woodhouse Lane junction to improve crossing safety and the overall environment.
• Planting of new trees and greenery throughout the scheme area.
• Permanent reduction of road lanes from two to one on the southern corridor to create space for pedestrian and cycling infrastructure.

Traffic management changes

From 5 January, a temporary one-way system will be introduced on Great George Street between Oxford Place and Park Street, allowing westbound traffic only. Two-way traffic will be maintained on the short section between Leighton Street and Park Street, with traffic signals installed. The top of Oxford Place and Great George Street near Calverley Street will be narrowed to one lane eastbound to facilitate works.

Access to shops along Great George Street and Leeds General Infirmary will be maintained throughout. However, vehicles leaving Thoresby Place will be unable to turn right onto Great George Street and will instead need to use Park Street.

Upcoming road closure

A temporary road closure will be in place from 26 January for approximately 11 weeks on Great George Street between Dudley Way and Woodhouse Lane. This closure is intended to accelerate the works and reduce costs. Local businesses will remain open, and pedestrian, local, and emergency access will be maintained. Vehicle access to nearby car parks and venues including The Light, CitiPark Merrion Centre, First Direct Arena, Q Park St. John’s Centre, and Leeds Cathedral will continue, with on-site signage to assist drivers.

Project timeline and context

Construction is expected to be completed by early 2027. The Leeds City Links scheme complements other city centre initiatives such as the Woodhouse Lane Gateway scheme, scheduled to start in spring 2026, ongoing works along the A660 and Lawnswood roundabout, and developments at the Innovation Village near Leeds General Infirmary.

Council statement

Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, transport and sustainable development, said the project will create safer, greener, and more inclusive spaces encouraging sustainable travel and contributing to the city’s Vision Zero 2040 strategy to reduce road deaths and serious injuries.

Further updates on the scheme and construction progress will be made available on the Leeds City Links construction site.