§ Dr. HampsonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what progress Leeds development corporation has made to date; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MoynihanLeeds development corporation was established less than two years ago and it has already done much to stimulate the regeneration of its area.
Since designation there has been nearly £60 million of private sector investment, more than 1.5 million sq ft of industrial and commercial floor space completed and 105 dwellings completed or under construction. Further developments are in the pipeline. This has created over 1,300 construction and 5,200 permanent jobs.
Three major joint development competitions have been launched in partnership with Leeds city council, British Waterways and British Gas. These will provide housing and community facilities and industrial and commercial developments. The corporation is giving high priority to minimise disruption to existing businesses and finding alternative premises where necessary. It is assisting businesses to improve their premises and thereby safeguard existing jobs.
The corporation is improving the environment and has planted 150,000 trees and shrubs. It is working jointly with Leeds city council, British Waterways and the Government's Leeds/Bradford city action team to enhance the potential of the River Aire and the Leeds/Liverpool canal.
I congratulate Leeds development corporation—and those organisations with which it is working—on creating exciting new opportunities for the people of Leeds.