Works Completed Around Headingley War Memorial for Remembrance Sunday

Preparations finished ahead of annual service to honour servicemen and women

Construction works around the Headingley War Memorial have been completed in time for Remembrance Sunday, allowing residents to pay tribute to those who have lost their lives in military service. The improvements form part of a wider scheme along the A660 aimed at enhancing safety and public space in the area.

Details of the works

Leeds City Council, in partnership with contractors Hinko Construction, advanced the construction works to ensure the memorial area was ready for the Remembrance Sunday service on 9 November 2025. The works are part of the Connecting Leeds project, which involves a £10.4 million investment to improve the A660 corridor.

The project focuses on:

• Increasing safety for pedestrians and cyclists
• Speeding up bus journeys between Headingley and Leeds city centre
• Enhancing public spaces around the war memorial

As part of the improvements, St Michael’s Road was closed to general traffic in June 2025. This closure created a better waiting area for buses and opened up the space for public use, providing a setting that complements the war memorial.

Memorial preparations and future plans

Before Remembrance Sunday, the memorial bench was reinstalled and planters were prepared with memorial crosses donated by St Michael and All Angels’ Church. Additional work was undertaken to ensure the site was suitable for the Ashes rugby league test match held at AMT Headingley Stadium on 8 November 2025.

On the morning of Remembrance Sunday, a street cleaning team was mobilised to ensure the area was clean and tidy for the service.

Leeds City Council officers hope the improved space will be used in the future for local markets and as a place for residents to sit and rest.

Remembrance Sunday significance

The Headingley War Memorial was originally created to remember those lost in the First World War. The Remembrance Sunday service is held annually on the second Sunday in November, closest to Armistice Day on 11 November.

The service commemorates the contributions of British and Commonwealth military and civilian personnel from the two world wars and all conflicts since 1945.

Council comments

Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, transport and sustainable development, said:

“Ensuring the space was ready for Remembrance Sunday was a considerable pressure, but I’d like to thank the Council officers and our contractors who worked hard to ensure the Memorial got the setting it deserves for Sunday. Remembrance Sunday is an opportunity for the residents to come together and reflect on the courage and sacrifices made by veterans as well as today’s service people who continue to serve with dedication and compassion.”

Funding and partnership

The scheme is being delivered in partnership between Leeds City Council and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, supported by a £10.4 million grant from Active Travel England.

Further information

More details about the construction work along the A660 can be found at https://a660.commonplace.is/.