A full consultation over ambitious council plans to revamp Armley Town Street has been promised – but not before pass the first hurdle with the government.
Local authorities have been encouraged to bid for grants of up to £25m to be spent to help high streets “facing significant challenges”, with Armley Town Street chosen by Leeds City Council.
An expression of interest for finding was submitted to the government earlier this week.
Cllr Alice Smart (Lab, Armley) told The Dispatch:
“The Council has submitted an Expression of Interest to the first bidding round announced by the Government. If our Expression of Interest is successful, we will develop proposals in full consultation with the local community before moving to the next stage of the bidding process.”
A report, which was approved by Leeds City Council’s executive board last week, outlined the council’s bid for a slice of the £675m fund.
Leeds City Council’s bid to turn Armley into a modern and vibrant community hub includes initial plans to improve the appearance and vitality of Town Street, improve safety for all road users and pedestrians as well as support new investment which respects the heritage of the area.
The money would help fund investment in infrastructure, such as public and other transport access, as well as work to help support new housing and workspaces.
It could also go towards work to encourage homes and workspaces to replace “under-used retail units”.
More detailed proposals – including the amounts of money requested – are set to be submitted in the summer, before final business cases are submitted by Spring 2020.
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