Leeds City Council have announced that a major milestone has been reached in the delivery of the Morley Town Deal, with ground being broken.
The projects to redevelop Hembrigg and Dartmouth Parks have broken ground, with improvements focusing on recreational facilities and planting.
The funding for the Morley Town Deal comes from a £24.3 million grant, with £700,000 being invested into the two aforementioned parks. The current plans for Hembrigg Park will consist of improvements to play, health, and recreational facilities, with Dartmouth Park currently looking to add additional seating and new planting areas. This will be followed, however, with work to improve the Botanical Gardens with this being subject to further public consultation.
As well as improvements to the parks, the other priorities that are included in the Morley Town Deal:
- Plans for a new technology-focused skills campus run by Leeds City College
- The development of an Innovations Hub at White Rose Business Park
- Enhancements to Morley Town Hall to bring more events and activities to the town, as well as introducing a café bar, better accessibility, and improving the space around the building.
- A new heritage investment grants scheme will be offered to businesses to invest in shop fronts and to restore historic buildings in Morley, together with supporting work to bring vacant heritage properties back into use.
- Improved pedestrian and cycle routes on Albert Road and Station Road to create a clear, safer gateway between the station and the town centre for residents and visitors.
Leeds City Council’s Executive Member for Infrastructure and Climate, Councillor Helen Hayden, said:
“I’m pleased that we are starting to deliver the Morley Town Deal by redeveloping Hembrigg and Dartmouth Parks. These two parks have provided joy to generations of people and these works will make sure that future generations can enjoy them for yeas to come as well.
“Just like all work the council does, we have listened to what local people have told us is important to them. The overwhelming consensus from the people of Morley was that people wanted clean and pleasant areas to relax and exercise, as well as space for children to play and enjoy safely. These parks will embody these ideas and I cannot wait for people to start enjoying them in summer next year.”
