BDP joins our Leeds Levelling up forum in May

BDP Architect Director, Peter Jenkins, will join our levelling up event this May in Leeds, to discuss transport ideas that could contribute to solving the infrastructure issues that face the city region.

Peter chairs the transport sector for BDP and is widely experienced in rail related transportation work. He has led projects over a wide range of sectors, including rail and bus stations, residential developments, mixed use and public schemes including Middleton Arena and The Wharf Droylsden. BDP has recently opened a new office in Leeds.

He will join the Leader of Leeds Council, Cllr James Lewis and the Head of Policy and Development at the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Liz Hunter as well as investor/developers Aviva Investors and Bruntwood.

DLA Piper's Partner Andrew Clarke who is hosting the event for Future Cities Forum in Leeds, and who is overseeing a large investment in new offices for the global law firm, has commented on how transport needs to be improved in the city, possibly with a new tram system.

This month, it was announced that passengers across West Yorkshire are set to benefit from £900 million of investment, resulting from bids by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and partner councils. The funding comes from the City Regional Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) and the Bus Service Improvement Plan programmes of investment aimed at providing an integrated and inclusive transport network.

The announcement includes £830 million for the CRSTS, and this was made possible through the Mayoral devolution deal agreed in March 2020. Bus and cycle corridor improvements, new Park & Ride sites, local cycling and walking schemes, as well as the use of innovative technology including EV charging points, will be delivered over the next five years, helping West Yorkshire to achieve net zero by 2038.

The funding will also be used to deliver general road improvements, including rail accessibility and connectivity, and developing options for a mass transit system.