Spring 2026 Good News Round-Up

Elland Road blueprint set to move forward

Executive Board approved the final draft of the Elland Road planning statement in February, which set out the principles for what the future may hold for the 30 acres of land surrounding the ground. The project is one of the most significant development opportunities in the country with the potential to deliver a multi-billion-pound boost to the city’s economy and provide around 2,000 new homes for the city as well as creating a series of innovation, leisure, education, public realm and commercial opportunities. A further update was taken to March's Executive Board.

Leeds leading the way in Good Growth

The Institute for Economic Development is shaping a national conversation about what growth should deliver for people and places, moving on from being judged by economic output alone. They have launched a report, intended to be a starting point for further debate and discussion. The report features two case studies from Leeds, shining a light on the SheCanShine and Community Shop projects.

Leeds Apprenticeship Recruitment Fair

The Employment and Skills Service delivered another successful Leeds Apprenticeship Recruitment Fair in February - the largest of its kind in the north of England. There were over 10,000 visitors and 102 exhibitors advertising apprenticeship opportunities along with support and guidance. A new fair called Careers in Leeds bringing together our Digital, Creative and SEND fairs into one flagship offer is launching this November, enabling people to see the breadth of opportunity across the city's sectors.

UKREiiF making an impact

Leeds is currently getting ready to host UKREiiF (the UK's Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum) at the Royal Armouries Museum this May. In December, it was confirmed that the forum will remain in Leeds for a sixth consecutive year in 2027. UKREiiF's continued presence in Leeds has delivered lasting value for the city and region, generating more than £60m for the local economy.

ABCD providing a return on investment

A new review of the Asset-Based Community Development programme in Leeds has been published. A previous report in 2021 calculated that for every £1 invested in ABCD it returned up to £14 in social value. A revised assessment of the ‘Social Return on Investment’ (SROI) study conducted by Leeds Beckett University as part of the review found that for every £1 invested in ABCD, it returned £36.90 in social value within the local communities served by the Pathfinder sites.