West Yorkshire is set for a major economic and infrastructure boost after almost £230 million of new investment was approved to accelerate regeneration, improve transport, support housing delivery, and strengthen local economies across all five districts.
At a meeting of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Mayor Tracy Brabin and council leaders for Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds and Wakefield gave the green light to a sweeping programme of projects designed to create a stronger, better‑connected and more prosperous region.
The investment forms part of West Yorkshire’s long‑term ambition to fuel growth through better transport connectivity, a skilled workforce, more high‑quality homes, and enhanced places to live, work and build businesses. It builds on billions already invested since devolution, and comes ahead of the region’s new £2 billion integrated funding settlement arriving in April.
Bradford
1,000 new homes, as well as green spaces, shops and restaurants, will be delivered through the City Village programme, which is backed by £13 million for phase one. Alongside this, the Southern Gateway regeneration zone – one of the UK’s largest – is set to unlock 5,000+ homes, new business space and 23,000 jobs, supported by future rail and mass transit links.
£1.3 million has also been approved for upgraded junctions, footpaths, cycle lanes and improved bus routes between Tong Street and Bradford City Centre.
Plans have also been set out for one of the UK’s largest Low Carbon Hydrogen plants to drive green energy production and industry growth.
Calderdale
As part of a £70 million programme to deliver new walking and cycling routes – as well as improving links with Leeds, Huddersfield, Bradford and Manchester, a new rail station will be delivered for Elland.
Major upgrades will also be completed for the A641 corridor, including a new bridge and better infrastructure for walking, wheeling, cycling and public transport.
Alongside this, Calderdale will see the transformation of the Clifton site into a business park delivering 1,300 jobs, plus two new garden communities unlocking 3,000+ homes.
New homes, retail and leisure space will be delivered at Dean Clough, revitalising a Grade II listed mill complex.
Kirklees
Heckmondwike Bus Station will be part of a £10.5 million project to boost accessible facilities, indoor seating and a green roof with solar panels. Further transport upgrades will come through the £7.5 million that has been approved for new footpaths, crossings and cycle lanes across Dewsbury town centre, and £10 million to improve links between Batley and Dewsbury.
Investment in the Huddersfield Station to Stadium Enterprise Corridor will be committed in order to boost the region’s reputation as a global health‑tech hub.
Relating to housing, Dewsbury Riverside could see 3,000 homes, new green spaces and improved transport connectivity via the Transpennine Route Upgrade.
Leeds
Serving the county’s airport, there will be a commitment to the Leeds Bradford Airport Parkway Station, improving access for workers and passengers and supporting the airport’s Vision 2030 expansion, expected to create 5,500 jobs. This will come with £73 million for major road improvements across Leeds, including new bus lanes, pedestrian routes and safer crossings in Headingley and Armley.
In Leeds Innovation Village, a flagship Investment Zone project, will deliver labs, offices and homes to accelerate health‑tech innovation. Alongside this, up to 13,000 new homes have been proposed at Leeds South Bank, identified as a potential new town.
Developments like Saxton Lane (200 affordable homes) and Regent Street (185 apartments) are already underway.
Wakefield
In Wakefield there are plans for a brand‑new all‑electric bus depot at Newton Bar costing £60 million, accommodating up to 125 electric buses to deliver cleaner, more reliable transport.
Plans are also in place to transform The Ridings Shopping Centre into a new community with 1,000+ homes, supported by £17.9 million in government funding.
Funding of £11.9 million will be invested in new cycle routes, footbridges and crossings connecting Castleford town centre with Wheldon Road and Fryston village, as well as £4 million to expand office space in the Langthwaite Enterprise Zone, supporting local business growth.
Alongside any future projects for the region, the Combined Authority has also highlighted major progress already underway, including:
- £200 million secured for the region’s long‑awaited Mass Transit system.
- Bus franchising approved, bringing buses back under public control by 2028.
- £46 million invested in the transformation of Leeds Railway Station and surrounding areas.
- £111 million for upgraded rail and bus stations in Castleford, Halifax, Kirkstall Forge, Apperley Bridge and Low Moor.
- 149 km of new walking, wheeling and cycling routes, plus investment in 33 active travel hubs.
- More than 6,000 homes in the brownfield pipeline as West Yorkshire remains one of England’s fastest‑building regions.
- 298,000 adult skills enrolments funded to help residents secure well‑paid work.
- Over £13 million invested in culture, heritage and sport, attracting £300 million in wider funding and supporting 54,000 jobs.
- £4.4 million for 460 grassroots community safety projects.
Commenting on this pipeline, West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin said:
“This is a huge moment for West Yorkshire, as we deliver on our promises and change lives for the better in every corner of our great region.
“Almost a quarter of a billion pounds of investment will help us to get shovels in the ground, boost public transport, build new homes, and back the communities and businesses that keep our region moving.
“With all five districts coming together to work as one West Yorkshire powerhouse, we’re rolling up our sleeves and getting on with the job of building a stronger, greener, fairer and better connected region – one that puts more money in people’s pockets and grows the UK economy.”
Image credit: iStock
