Major regeneration boost for Morley

Morley is to benefit from a share of an £80 million government cash injection to breathe new life into its town centre.

Leeds City Council has received £750,000 as one of 100 places across the country – and 15 in Yorkshire – that have secured between £500,000 and £1million to help them recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and to kick-start longer term growth plans by developing new green spaces, pedestrianising streets and creating community hubs.

The funding will be focused across the town centre, with improvements planned at Morley Bottoms, on Queen Street and in Scatcherd and Lewisham parks. Leeds City Council led the bid for this funding and is developing exciting plans to create new public space and improve the town centre environment.

The welcome cash boost comes as a new Board has been formed to spearhead a bid to secure up to £25m further regeneration investment promised through the Government’s Towns Fund. A major public consultation programme has been launched this month to secure residents’ views on which projects should be put forward to shape the town’s future. Anyone wanting to contribute can register their comments at https://morleytownsfundengagementmap.commonplace.is/.

It is anticipated that the final bid will be submitted to the Government in January 2021.

Councillor Lisa Mulherin, Leeds City Council’s executive member for climate change, transport and sustainable development, said: “This is a great opportunity to develop a future vision for Morley and support investment in the town through a local regeneration strategy, which will drive continued economic growth and benefit the whole community. The Morley Town Deal Board will be working with local people and businesses to develop a long term strategy for the town and I’d really encourage local residents, businesses and other stakeholders to share their views with us so that this is a genuinely local plan.”

Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick said: “This £80 million funding will help towns drive economic growth and improve prospects for their communities. This will be vital as the country responds to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

“These funds are part of the overall £3.6 billion Towns Fund money allocated – with this initial pot shared out now to get some projects off the ground and give local areas the boost they need.”