New strategy to help Leeds grow

An innovative new growth strategy aimed at giving the whole of Leeds a chance to make the most of the city’s economic boom has been launched (July 28th).The consultation draft of the Leeds Inclusive Growth Strategy was recently approved by the city’s senior councillors, with businesses and stakeholders now being invited to have their say as part of a city-wide consultation.Businesses are also being asked to pledge support and adopt the values set out in the strategy, which will help companies to deliver growth that is sustainable, inclusive and benefits all of the city’s communities.Covering the period 2017 until 2023, the 12 key areas the strategy focusses include putting children at the heart of the city’s growth, improving careers advice and opportunities for all, improving the quality of jobs, tackling low pay and in-work progression, and boosting productivity.Communities will also be better equipped to respond to economic changes through improved housing, investment in neighbourhoods, and the transformation of town centres into economic and service hubs.The size of the city centre would be doubled, with new jobs, homes and a city park in the South Bank, an Innovation District around the universities and hospital, and a rebuilt and revitalised Leeds Train Station.The strategy will also boost Leeds’s bid to be European Capital of Culture in 2023 by helping to increase visitors and supporting the growth of the cultural and creative sector.