Transformation of Leeds Greek Street complete

Work to transform Greek Street in Leeds city centre into a new-look pedestrianised space has been successfully completed.

The project, carried out by Leeds City Council in partnership with businesses, on this popular street known for its bars, restaurants and cafes, has been given a modern, spacious new look, supporting a traffic free and inviting location for more people to enjoy.

The transformation includes a new level surface of granite paving, new feature lighting, CCTV and a vehicle access control system. Whilst no one could have foreseen the impact of Covid-19, the timely completion of the work offers more space for businesses to expand their outdoor seating areas, helping them to operate safely following current social distancing guidelines. The area will be fully pedestrianised every day from 11:30am-5am with controlled vehicle access outside of those hours.

The project, which benefited from £300,000 of private sector contributions, was designed to not only benefit the bars, restaurants and cafes to make the most of the street but also providing a safe and enjoyable space for customers during and after the pandemic. Furthermore, businesses are reporting that since the street was first pedestrianised a few years ago, many new jobs have been created and further investments have been made such as new outdoor furniture for the street.

Leader of Leeds City Council Councillor Judith Blake said “This is a great example of the fantastic work that can be achieved when the council works closely with businesses to improve public spaces across our city. These latest developments to Greek Street continue to boost the street’s appeal as a popular leisure destination for the city.

“The work we continue to deliver under our newly launched Our Spaces strategy ensures we continue to deliver spaces and places, designed with a people-first approach, creating welcoming and well planned public spaces which meet our climate ambitions and contribute to the economic success of the city centre for all.”

Martin Wolstencroft, Chief Executive of Arc Inspirations (which includes the Manahatta site on Greek Street) said: “I am delighted to see the great work completed by Leeds City Council in the pedestrianisation of Greek Street. External areas like this are vital to attracting people to Leeds and making a safe and welcoming environment for all, especially with the recent Covid-19 pandemic. The high quality investment raises the standard and quality for all and will have a knock on effect for operators in investing greater in their external furniture and schemes.

“Investment like this in key leisure areas really does help hospitality businesses succeed and build a great economy for employment, sub-contractors, suppliers and other key business partners.

I would like to thank all concerned in their investment, communication and great partnership working.”