West Yorkshire’s new tram network will unlock progress in jobs, housing and growth
3 min read
Westminster’s focus rightly remains on one thing: growth. In God’s own country of West Yorkshire, we’re getting on with delivering it.
Our region is already punching above its weight; Leeds has the UK's largest financial and professional services sector, the highest rate of fast-growing businesses outside London, and our seven universities produce 35,000 graduates each year.
And by harnessing the full potential of devolution with a single, integrated funding settlement, West Yorkshire will finally be able to forge its own future, create a brighter region that works for all and enable the creation of thousands of well-paid jobs to help deliver the Government’s growth mission for the nation.
Key to this is the need to ensure everyone has the skills they need to succeed, warm, affordable and sustainable homes, and quick and reliable public transport links they can rely on.
That is why I have unveiled our region’s ten-year, £7bn Local Growth Plan – a comprehensive strategy projected to create 33,000 new jobs and unlock £26bn of economic growth.
Our growth plan doesn't just talk about ambition, it delivers it through five clear priorities: boosting our fastest-growing sectors – Including financial and professional services; supporting SMEs with greater access to finances, skills and partnership; building a region of learning and creativity for people of all ages; creating a better-connected transport network – including regular, reliable bus services under local control and greater rail capacity; as well as developing thriving places with warm, affordable homes for all and safer communities – free from anti-social behaviour and crime.
But we won’t achieve our ambitions if we can’t connect people with opportunities. That’s why at the plan’s beating heart sits our ambitious vision for a new tram system – fully integrated with bus and rail to connect the entire region.
This isn't just another transport scheme. It's a long-term solution to regional challenges around transport, housing, productivity, and reducing emissions – a regional infrastructure plan with national significance.
Firstly, our new tram network will unlock growth and represents a crucial part of our plans to unleash £11bn of growth for the UK economy.
Second, it will support the delivery of new housing – rightly a key priority for Government – unlocking the building of 60,000 new homes across Leeds, Bradford, and the wider region.
Each tram stop would become an anchor for regeneration – creating vibrant spaces for work and play, as well as green areas that strengthen communities.
Third, trams will connect talent. West Yorkshire residents currently lose an average of 2.5 days per year stuck in traffic. The network will reduce wasted time while expanding access to the region's growing sectors – including financial services, advanced manufacturing, life sciences, and creative industries.
We're not starting from scratch. West Yorkshire has laid the groundwork for the tram network with a strong economic case, a phased delivery model, and engagement with the supply chain commencing in 2025. We are on time, and on budget.
But what is crucial is we are all in lockstep on the needs of and ambitions for our region. That means agreement from all local authority leaders, businesses and academics, as well as a resounding thumbs up from the public consultation. This partnership is key.
With June’s comprehensive spending review fast approaching, political and financial backing is needed to ensure the scheme progresses – getting spades in the ground by 2028.
With this groundswell of support, West Yorkshire will continue to smash through barriers to growth, sharpen our regional strengths, and make smart investments that deliver one clear outcome: more money in people's pockets, in West Yorkshire and beyond.
Britain's growth ambitions need West Yorkshire firing on all cylinders. Our young, diverse population is ready to get stuck in.
