The city of Leeds is experiencing a remarkable period of transformation this spring, balancing urban development with a thriving cultural scene that continues to captivate residents and visitors alike. From significant urban planning changes to an exciting calendar of events, Leeds is cementing its reputation as one of the North’s most dynamic cities.
Urban Transformation and Development
The shape of Leeds’ future development is undergoing significant changes as the city adapts to new national planning guidelines. Just yesterday, on March 18, 2025, the Leeds City Council’s Development Plan Panel met to discuss the future of the Leeds Local Plan Update, with important implications for how the city will grow in coming years.
The Chief Planning Officer has confirmed that the Leeds Local Plan will no longer be prepared in two parts, instead being developed as a whole due to changes in national guidance. This marks a significant shift in how the city approaches its development strategy. According to the proposed timeline, Leeds residents can expect to see an Issues and Options Consultation in June 2025, with the full adoption of the new plan potentially coming in winter 2027 or spring 2028.
Meanwhile, the latest Leeds Crane Survey, released in February, reveals a fascinating “tale of two sectors” in the city’s development landscape. While overall construction starts have declined to their lowest level since 2013, residential development continues to thrive. The survey highlights five new residential schemes launched recently, with a record-breaking number of residential units predicted for completion in 2025 and 2026. This surge in residential development speaks to Leeds’ growing attractiveness as a hub for city center living, even as other commercial construction has temporarily slowed.
Housing and Community Priorities
The focus on residential development aligns with community priorities. In a recent survey by the Yorkshire Evening Post, Leeds residents identified affordable housing as one of their top priorities for change in the city in 2025. This community feedback is particularly relevant as the Council prepares to reopen its Call for Sites process, providing an opportunity for landowners to submit potential development sites for consideration in the new Local Plan.
Cultural Renaissance: Events Transforming the City
Leeds’ calendar is bursting with cultural events this spring, showcasing the city’s vibrant arts scene and diverse community celebrations.
Theatre enthusiasts are in for a treat this month with Northern Ballet’s production of “Jane Eyre” running at Leeds Grand Theatre until March 22, followed immediately by “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” from March 25-29, starring Joe McElderry as Pharaoh. These productions continue Leeds’ proud tradition of hosting world-class theatrical performances.
The city just celebrated the colorful Leeds Holi Festival on March 15, which brought thousands together in the UK’s largest open-air color festival. The event featured performances by London-based musician Vish and Birmingham-based singer, songwriter and producer Jaz Dhami, adding vibrant sounds to match the explosion of colors.
Literary Leeds
Literature lovers have been enjoying the Leeds Storytelling Festival, which began on February 14 and continues until March 8. This inaugural family festival has been illuminating the city “with the magic of storytelling” through author readings, theatre performances, and creative workshops. The festival recently featured celebrated author Cressida Cowell, creator of “How to Train Your Dragon,” who shared writing and drawing tips with young attendees.
In preparation for World Book Day on March 6, Leeds Libraries initiated a sustainable costume donation program, allowing families to donate outgrown book character costumes to be rehomed with new families – an initiative that helps make the celebration more affordable and environmentally friendly.
Looking Ahead: Summer 2025 in Leeds
As spring transitions to summer, Leeds residents can look forward to even more cultural highlights. The Leeds Jazz Festival will return for its fourth edition from May 22 to May 27, bringing together jazz enthusiasts from across the region. This will be closely followed by the North Leeds Food Festival, also in its fourth year, which promises an expanded lineup of food vendors, Yorkshire chefs in the Cookery Theatre, and enhanced attractions with a new fast-track entry system.
Looking further ahead, the Leeds International Festival of Ideas (LIFI) will return in autumn 2025 at Leeds Playhouse. While the lineup remains under wraps, organizers promise to bring together “leading thinkers, writers, artists, scientists, experts” for what has become one of the intellectual highlights of the city’s calendar.
Community Voices and Local Media
Leeds’ strong sense of community is reflected in its thriving local media landscape. Publications like THAT LEEDS MAG, which delivers to 19,500 homes in North Leeds every six weeks, play a vital role in sharing local stories and promoting local businesses. Meanwhile, Leeds Magazine continues to deliver “positive local content” that celebrates the heart of the city.
These publications not only report on Leeds’ development but actively participate in shaping the city’s narrative, highlighting achievements, fostering connections, and amplifying community voices in this period of change and growth. As we move through 2025, Leeds stands at an exciting crossroads. While facing the same economic uncertainties as other major UK cities, it demonstrates remarkable resilience through its booming residential development, rich cultural programming, and engaged community.
The changes to the Local Plan will shape Leeds’ physical landscape for decades to come, while the diverse calendar of events continues to enrich its cultural fabric. From urban planning to artistic expression, Leeds is writing its next chapter as a city that balances growth with community, tradition with innovation, and urban development with cultural vibrancy.
As Councillor James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council, noted in response to the Crane Survey, Leeds “continues to demonstrate its resilience and ambition even amidst a challenging economic backdrop”. It is this resilience and ambition that continues to make Leeds one of the North’s most dynamic and exciting cities in 2025.
1. https://www.lsh.co.uk/explore/research-and-views/news/2025/march/leeds-local-plan-update
2. https://www.deloitte.com/uk/en/Industries/real-estate/research/leeds-crane-survey.html
3. https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/politics/things-yorkshire-evening-post-readers-say-they
-want-to-see-change-in-leeds-4926983
4. https://leeds-list.com/things-to-do/the-big-leeds-event-calendar-everything-you-need-to-do-in-2025/
5. https://welcometoleeds.co.uk/article/2025-what-we-know-so-far/
6. https://wearechildfriendlyleeds.com/2025/01/31/whats-on-this-half-term/
