West Yorkshire is set for a cultural and economic transformation after regional leaders approved an ambitious multibillion-pound Creative Industries Cluster Action Plan at a meeting of the Combined Authority in Leeds.
The plan aims to grow the region’s creative economy from £2.2 billion to £4.1 billion by 2035, creating 50,000 new jobs in sectors such as fashion, textiles, music, screen, and games.
The plan, championed by Mayor Tracy Brabin, will support freelancers and creative businesses, unlock affordable workspaces, and improve access to skills training and finance. It aligns with the One Creative North initiative, a collaboration of Northern mayors, Arts Council England, Creative PEC, and public service broadcasters, aiming to add £10 billion to the North’s economy by 2035 and nurture local talent outside London and the South East.
West Yorkshire has also been named one of six national “priority places” for the creative industries between 2026 and 2029, securing a share of £150 million in government funding to accelerate new initiatives and attract private investment.
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said:
“This is a great moment for West Yorkshire. With record investment in our creative industries and grassroots sport, we’ll build happier communities and boost jobs and growth.
“This bold new culture plan, combined with our flagship agreement with Sport England, will help more of our young people to live healthier lives, pursue creative careers, and contribute to a stronger, brighter West Yorkshire.”
Alongside the creative industries plan, Mayor Brabin signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Sport England to boost access to grassroots sport and physical activity. The agreement aims to embed physical activity into daily life, support schools and local sports clubs, and back community projects—helping to tackle health inequalities and reduce NHS pressures.
Commenting on the agreement, Sport England’s Chief Executive Simon Hayes added:
“The MoU with West Yorkshire Combined Authority marks a vital step in embedding physical activity into the heart of local policy and investment.
“Alongside Mayor Tracy Brabin and her team, we’re proud to be supporting the region’s bold ambitions to get people active, reducing pressure on the NHS, boosting the economy and creating happier and healthier communities.”
Currently, 33.8% of people in West Yorkshire’s most deprived areas are physically inactive, compared to 21% in the least deprived. The sport and physical activity sector already contributes £840 million to the regional economy and supports 78,000 jobs.
Image credit: iStock
