By KLTV Newsdesk –

Public and private sector leaders unite to spotlight region’s regeneration, housing, and transport ambitions

Senior leaders from across West Yorkshire’s public and private sectors gathered in Leeds last night to kick-start momentum ahead of UKREiiF 2025 — a key event set to showcase the region’s multi-billion-pound investment opportunities to the world.

In a strong display of unity and ambition, stakeholders met to galvanise support for the UK’s Real Estate and Infrastructure Investment Forum (UKREiiF), which returns to Leeds for a fourth consecutive year next month.

Their mission: to present West Yorkshire as a powerhouse for regeneration, innovation, and sustainable growth.

Major Plans to Transform West Yorkshire

The event highlighted how West Yorkshire is already accelerating its ambitious growth agenda, from large-scale housing schemes to transformative transport infrastructure.

Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin outlined the region’s compelling offer to investors: “Working together to accelerate investment and turbocharge growth, we are ready to showcase the very best of West Yorkshire.

“We’re pulling out all the stops to make sure investors know that West Yorkshire is the greatest place in the country to live, invest and grow a business.

“It’s where opportunity lives — and with trams on the way, there’s never been a better time to invest here.”

The Mayor’s gamechanging plan to bring trams to West Yorkshire — backed by the Prime Minister — is central to the region’s future.

With aims to begin construction by 2028, the new mass transit system will link Bradford and Leeds, enhancing public transport and stimulating economic activity across key urban hubs.

Leeds Leads the Charge

Councillor James Lewis, Leader of Leeds City Council, shared the city’s pride in hosting the flagship event and underlined Leeds’ central role in regional progress: “UKREiiF provides a fantastic platform to showcase the dynamic growth and exciting future of Leeds and the wider region.

“Our transformative regeneration plans in the city, including the expansion of Elland Road and British Library North, alongside our ambitious regional plans for a world-class tram system – the largest investment in connectivity in our region for decades – underscore our commitment to progress.”

“We look forward to welcoming thousands of delegates from across both the UK and the globe back to Leeds this year to showcase our wonderful city and wider region, and our ambitious plans for the future.”

Corridors of Opportunity

Three “corridors of opportunity” will headline West Yorkshire’s UKREiiF showcase, featuring more than 40 investment-ready sites:

• Western Corridor: Covering Leeds, Bradford, and Calderdale, this includes major projects such as Bradford City Village, a revitalised Halifax town centre, and a £2 billion “Innovation Arc” in Leeds.

• Southern Corridor: Stretching from Leeds to Dewsbury and Huddersfield, this area features plans for 50,000 new homes and a National Health Innovation Campus.

• Eastern Corridor: Linking Leeds and Wakefield, this creative and industrial hub will highlight a rejuvenated Castleford waterfront, large-scale manufacturing zones, and a £2.5 billion Microsoft-run data centre.

A Landmark Event for the Region

UKREiiF 2025 will take place from 22–25 May in Leeds, drawing more than 16,000 delegates and injecting over £20 million into the local economy.

It represents the UK’s largest gathering for property and infrastructure investment, with West Yorkshire poised to make a bold and lasting impression on investors and developers from around the globe.

To explore the full West Yorkshire UKREiiF programme, visit: www.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/ukreiif