UKREiiF | Leeds MDZ plans unveiled to drive South Bank regeneration
The proposed MDZ would bring together Leeds City Council, the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Homes England, and government under a single delivery structure aimed at accelerating housing, infrastructure, and commercial development.
First proposed in March, the zone would span a large section of the city centre, including Leeds South Bank, where projects such as Temple Works, Royal Armouries Museum’s Tiltyard scheme, South Village, Aire Park and the Elland Road regeneration area are already progressing.
Partners said the MDZ could support delivery of around 20,000 homes alongside new commercial space, public realm, and cultural destinations, backed by major transport investment.
A new board chaired initially by Brabin will oversee delivery, funding coordination and land assembly while retaining existing planning powers. The structure is also intended to create a “single front door” for developers and investors.
The South Bank area has also been identified by government as a potential location within the New Towns programme, with discussions ongoing with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
Brabin said the proposals would bring together “the powers, partners and investment needed to deliver a new chapter for Leeds”.
Lewis added that the partnership would help the city “go further, faster” on regeneration and infrastructure delivery already underway across the South Bank and wider city centre.
The announcement comes as Leeds continues to push forward major regeneration and transport projects, including the planned West Yorkshire mass transit system and a £2.1bn regional transport investment programme.
