Summer consultation on the £2.9m Armley Town Street scheme

Consultation on a £2.9m highways scheme to help breathe new life into Armley Town Street is to start in the summer, a council report has revealed.

A report to be considered by members of the Inner West Community Committee next Tuesday outlines a small but significant update to the scheme, which includes improvements to road safety and bus priority on Armley Town Street.

The government-funded scheme was announced in 2023 but details were sketchy despite calls from residents and traders for more information and consultation at an Armley Forum meeting last July.

A report to be considered by councilors on Tuesday says the draft ideas have been prepared by the council’s highways department. Council officers rang all businesses in the town center and Branch Road in May to let them know a full consultation is set to begin this summer.

“All were encouraged to get involved in the consultation and encourage staff and visitors to Armley town center to get involved to develop a scheme that works well for those who depend on the town centre,” the report added.

Funding for the £2.9 million scheme has already been secured by Leeds City Council as part of the Active Travel Fund, distributed by Active Travel England, the government’s executive agency responsible for making walking, cycling and bicycle to be the preferred choice of travel.

The Town Street scheme is part of a wider scheme £23.12m package received by West Yorkshire Combined Authority in May to improve the cycling and walking network across the region.

Other problems

The report also says a meeting was held with the Armley Action Team to confirm arrangements for trading in the pocket park off Town Street when the amusements are not held there. There was also an initial discussion regarding the authorization of markets on Armley Moor.

Ongoing problems with anti-social behavior in and around Armley Leisure Center were also highlighted and anti-social behavior workers from the police and council tried to engage with young people.

Work is underway to introduce a children’s play area between the Clyde blocks, which will also include thermoplastic markings for children to play on.

Meeting details

The Inner West Community Committee meeting is on Tuesday 2nd July from 6-8pm at Milford Sports Club, Beecroft Street, Leeds, LS5 3AS. Members of the public may attend. The agenda can be found here.

The committee is made up of nine councilors from Armley, Bramley & Stanningley and Kirkstall wards. It has eight Labor and one Green councilors and also has community co-opts.