Agenda item

To consider the report of the Director of City Development that seeks approval of the outline highway design concept for the closure of City Square and its subsequent implementation in readiness for the Year of Culture, and also approval of the preliminary design and implementation of Armley Gyratory as presented, subject to any Planning conditions and detailed design changes.

Further to Minute No. 79, 18^th November 2020, the Director of City Development submitted a report which sought approval of the outline highway design concept for the closure of City Square and its subsequent implementation in readiness for the Year of Culture. The report also sought approval of the preliminary design and implementation of Armley Gyratory, subject to any Planning conditions and detailed design changes.

Regarding the potential inclusion of water features within the design for the City Square proposals, Members were assured that the images within the submitted report were indicative only and that the related design competition continued. However, should water features be included in the final design it was acknowledged that appropriate due diligence would need to be undertaken and resource allocated to ensure the long term maintenance of them. On this point, the Director of City Development offered to provide relevant Executive Members with further information regarding the specific challenges of maintaining public water features, if required.

In relation to the proposals, a Member highlighted the importance of ensuring that they did not deter visitors to the city centre via car or any other means of transport. Also, an enquiry was raised regarding how the proposals would impact upon the flow of traffic in the city centre and how they would affect air quality. In response, it was noted that detailed transport modelling work on issues such as air quality would continue as part of the respective Combined Authority and planning processes. Also, it was highlighted that the proposals would aim to maximise ‘movement capacity’ for all forms of transport, with it being emphasised that the proposals did not aim to stop cars from accessing the city centre.

Specifically regarding the proposals for Armley Gyratory, a Member highlighted the issue of users’ safety, with reference being made to those accessing the Gyratory via active travel and also when considering female users’ safety. In response, it was confirmed that such matters were being taken into consideration as part of the design work, with reference being made to landscaping, lighting, connectivity and users’ general visibility when travelling through the Gyratory. In conclusion, it was noted that Executive Members’ suggestions regarding the design proposals would be welcomed.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That in the context of previous decisions taken by Executive Board, and as outlined within the submitted report, the outline design for the closure of City Square to through traffic, as per the plan in Appendix 1, including the indicated bus and taxi only restrictions, be approved, with it being noted that at the discretion of the Chief Officer (Highways and Transportation), there may be further adjustments to the design in order to respond to stakeholders’ needs and the proposed public consultation;

(b)  That the preliminary design of Armley Gyratory, as shown in Appendix 1 to the submitted report and as presented in the recent engagement, be approved, subject to any changes arising from Planning conditions or the detailed design process;

(c)  That it be noted that the City Square closure (highway works) and Armley Gyratory are to be fully funded from the West Yorkshire Plus Transport Fund;

(d)  That the importance of the delivery of the Highways England M621 Road Investment Strategy (RIS) scheme (Junctions 1 to 7) for the realisation of the city centre vision, be noted;

(e)  That it be noted that the Chief Officer (Highways and Transportation) is responsible for the associated programme delivery, with a target completion date of December 2022.