Leeds is without a doubt one of the best cities in the UK. Not just because it’s where our team of accountants are based! The city is full of great businesses, diverse culture and some of the country’s best history. It could also become one of the UK’s best transport hubs.
That’s where Leeds Key to the North comes in. Key to the North is a campaign to get the government to back plans to invest in Leeds train station. In this post, we take a closer look at their aims and why their campaign makes so much sense.
The wonder of Leeds
In the past, we’ve talked about why Leeds is a great place to work and live. Compared to the likes of London, and even Manchester, it has much more affordable living costs. The city also has great potential for business, with expected growth of 17.1% over the next decade according to Irwin Mitchell.
That’s combined with a lively culture to rival the capital, and beautiful countryside that you simply wouldn’t find in the big smoke. On top of all that, Leeds boasts great transport facilities. The city itself is compact enough to walk or cycle around. However, there’s also motorway links directly to London and Edinburgh and a train station that can get you almost anywhere.
Key to the North
That train station is exactly what Leeds Key to the North is focusing on. The station has great potential as does the city but currently doesn’t receive the investment to reflect it. Despite being the busiest station in the North of England, and right at the centre of the UK rail network, the city and its station have been somewhat neglected.
Leeds Key to the North wants the government to back its Integrated Station Masterplan. Briefly, the plan aims to integrate high-speed rail (HS2) and improve journey times to and from the North East, Midlands, London and Scotland along with East-West routes across the North making Leeds a true key’ to access the North.
The plans will accommodate the doubling of passengers over the next 30 years by significantly expanding Leeds Station. In doing so, the station would adjoin the South Bank area of Leeds, which is currently undergoing a massive regeneration.
With the potential for over 8,000 homes and 35,000 jobs, it’s one of Europe’s largest city centre regeneration schemes. When complete, the South Bank could effectively double the size of Leeds City Centre. Needless to say, the Integrated Leeds Station would be central to its success.
Making progress
Initially proposed in 2017, Leeds Key to the North has already gained support from business leaders across the region. The plan has been approved by the council and submitted to the government.
In February 2019, a Leeds delegation travelled to Westminster to discuss their plans and how Leeds could be crucial to UK prosperity in the future. They put forward that the unique geographic location and economic potential of the city makes it truly key to the north. And we couldn’t agree more!
Accountants in Leeds
UWM is a team of expert accountants in Leeds. Based in the heart of Yorkshire and key to the North we provide expert accounting services to businesses across the UK. If you want to find out more about any of our services, don’t hesitate to give us a call on 0113 231 0202.
