Member Article

Leeds developments help 1,200 people into jobs according to council

New developments in Leeds helped more than 1,200 local residents into jobs in just over a year according to Leeds City Council.

A string of major projects currently in the pipeline across the city could also create almost 14,000 more new employment opportunities.

Figures from Leeds City Council show that between September 2012 and January 2014, 1,230 people secured new jobs and 57 young people joined apprenticeships as part of developments around the city.

The jobs were secured by local people as part of obligations set out either in council contracts or Section 106 agreements with the developers during the planning process.

Major projects included the first direct arena, which saw 80 local residents secure construction jobs along with apprenticeships and work experience given to young people on site.

Local residents also took up 210 of the 300 jobs available at the new venue once it opened its doors.

Developments also included the Trinity Leeds shopping centre, which saw 55 Leeds residents given construction jobs and 19 young people become apprentices.

Shops and businesses in the centre have also taken on 415 local residents since the development opened.

Recruitment for the new Asda store at Middleton also saw the council support more than 1,000 local residents with employability skills through 39 local workshops. More than 150 local residents secured new jobs from the 226 available at Asda.

Projections for the extension of the White Rose Shopping Centre indicate the project could support up to 50 construction jobs and up to 1,000 full and part-time retail and hospitality roles. Phase one of the landmark Victoria Gate retail development, which includes a new John Lewis store, could create 700 construction jobs and 1,200 positions in retail and hospitality.

Commenting on the figures, Councillor Lucinda Yeadon, Leeds City Council’s executive member for digital and creative technologies, culture and skills, said: “Everyone in Leeds has seen the massive difference that these major developments have made to the city.

“With so many key developments either planned or already ongoing, the future is looking extremely bright for the local jobs market.”

Councillor Peter Gruen, the council’s executive member for neighbourhoods, planning and personnel, added: “Through a combination of hard work from local residents and the council’s encouragement of developers to provide increased employment opportunities, we are confident that these agreements will continue to play a crucial role in supporting sustainable economic growth across the city.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Clare Burnett .