HC Deb 20 October 1994 vol 248 c290W
Dr. Hampson

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when Leeds development corporation will be wound up and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Curry

Statutory orders will be laid before Parliament early next year to effect the wind-up and dissolution of Leeds development corporation. Subject to parliamentary approval, the corporation will cease to act from 1 April 1995, except for the purpose of preparing its final accounts and report and winding up its affairs. The corporation will be dissolved on 1 July 1995.

Urban development corporations were set up, with finite lifetimes, to regenerate their designated areas. Since designation on 30 June 1988, Leeds development corporation, in partnership with other agencies, has made a considerable and lasting contribution to the well-being of Leeds.

By the end of its lifetime, Leeds development corporation expects to have reclaimed 68 hectares of land, built 11.4 km of roads and footpaths and created 366,000 sq m. of non-housing floorspace and 561 housing units. This has led to some 8,000 jobs in new developments and levered in £317 million in private sector investment.