West Yorkshire Combined Authority have approved to back ten schemes across the region, with a focus of driving economic growth across the region. The schemes, with a combined total of £383m, have been added to their investment pipeline after a committee meeting yesterday to discuss the proposed projects.

They include:

  • Wakefield City Centre South East Gateway (£41m)
  • Rail Park & Ride (£33m)
  • Bradford City Centre Heritage Properties (£31m)
  • Enterprise Zones (£24m)
  • HS2 Testing Facility (£22.8m)
  • Cycling Schemes (£12m)
  • Gateway to Huddersfield Phase One (£5.5m)
  • Leeds Inland Port (£3.3m)
  • Halifax Living Programme (£764k)

The proposed HS2 Testing Facility will bring a testing unit to West Yorkshire where high-speed trains and high-speed rail infrastructure can be tested

Cycling infrastructure is also highlighted as a key element of the funding with eight routes totalling 19km proposed – which would help tackle congestions within West Yorkshire. The Inland Port at Stourton would increase cargo being imported and exported from the region whilst the Huddersfield Gateway project would see the redevelopment of the town’s station area including a former goods shed and yard.

New housing, development of three key heritage buildings in Bradford and the creation of a new gateway to the southern area of Wakefield City Centre – which is currently being rejuvenated with the Rutland Mills project – are also within the proposed plans.

Cllr Peter Box, Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, said of the announcement: ”To ensure we keep up the momentum on delivering projects through our Local Growth Fund and West Yorkshire plus Transport Fund, these schemes would require an additional £125.2m of Combined Authority funding. They are ambitious schemes designed to generate inclusive growth from which everyone across West Yorkshire and the City Region can benefit, and to improve our transport network to support that growth and connect people with jobs and training opportunities.”

The projects, and the work the West Yorkshire Combined Authority are doing, is set to be at the forefront of the West Yorkshire Economic Growth Conference later this year – where private and public sector leaders will come together to discuss the huge topics and collaborate to grow the region. Join us there!