Leeds Star Newspaper

27/09/2025

Northern Unveils Train Honouring Rugby League Legend and MND Campaigner Rob Burrow. Northern has paid tribute to rugby league legend and inspirational MND campaigner Rob Burrow by naming a train in his honour. Unveiled at a special ceremony at Castleford station, the Class 195 train features striking artwork across two carriages, including a powerful image of Rob in action during his international rugby career. Inside, passengers can explore a timeline celebrating his remarkable achievements both on and off the pitch. Created in partnership with Rob’s family and the MND Association, the design not only commemorates his legacy but also helps raise awareness of motor neurone disease, which currently affects more than 5,000 people in the UK. Northern’s managing director, Tricia Williams, was joined by Rob’s wife, Lindsey, and their children, Maya and Jackson, for the unveiling ceremony. Rob’s parents, Geoff and Irene Burrow, were also present at the special event in West Yorkshire. Earlier this year, Northern announced a partnership with the MND Association, with staff pledging to raise thousands of pounds to support vital research into finding a cure for the terminal neurological condition, which gradually robs people of the ability to speak, eat, and even breathe. The campaign has also gained backing from Eversholt Rail, which has committed a donation of £15,000 to the cause. As the UK’s second-largest train operator, Northern runs around 2,650 services every day, serving more than 500 stations across the North of England https://leedsstar.co.uk/news/northern-unveils-train-honouring-rugby-league-legend-and-mnd-campaigner-rob-burrow/

27/09/2025

New Murals Celebrate Leeds’ Sporting Heroes. Vibrant new murals honouring some of Leeds’s greatest sporting heroes, past and present, have been unveiled in communities across the city. Created by talented local artists, the striking artworks celebrate the achievements of athletes ranging from a record-breaking swimmer to a Paralympic legend. Each mural’s subject was selected by a panel of volunteers working alongside Leeds Museums and Galleries as part of the On the Pitch, Off the Pitch project. Supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the project explored the museum’s collection to uncover inspiring local sporting stories that shaped the designs. Among the celebrated figures is Kadeena Cox, the Paralympic star who has won multiple gold medals in both sprinting and cycling. She is now commemorated with a striking mural at The Reginald Centre in Chapeltown. Created by artist Hyro Graff in consultation with Kadeena, her family, and local residents, the design incorporates colours and imagery that reflect her life, heritage, and achievements. These new additions join a growing collection of public artworks celebrating local icons. Existing murals across the city include a striking tribute to former Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa in Hyde Park, an inspiring portrait of Leeds Rhinos legend Rob Burrow on the side of Leeds Beckett University, and a bold artwork of former world champion boxer Josh Warrington beneath the A58 flyover https://leedsstar.co.uk/our-city/new-murals-celebrate-leeds-sporting-heroes/

27/09/2025

Light Night Leeds Returns This October with Dazzling Illuminated Artworks. This October, Leeds will be transformed by a dazzling display of illuminated artworks as the spectacular Light Night Leeds returns. On October 23 and 24, the city’s most recognisable buildings and public spaces will be lit up with imaginative creations from artists around the world, drawing thousands of visitors to the cultural showcase. Centred on the theme of ‘Landmarks’, this year’s event will shine a spotlight on Leeds’ historic civic architecture, contemporary landmarks, and open public areas. It will also invite audiences to reflect on their own personal landmarks — the meaningful places and memories that shape their lives. Among this year’s highlights will be a spellbinding projection on the façade of The Queens Hotel, celebrating 200 years of the modern railway. Titled One Second Lovestory and created by German artist Dirk Rauscher, the piece depicts the fleeting romance of two strangers locking eyes in a bustling train station. The work is proudly sponsored by Markel. Another showpiece will transform Leeds Civic Hall, where Portuguese collective Ocubo, in collaboration with the British Library, present Portals: The Machine of Worlds. This mesmerising installation draws on fantastical imagery from the library’s collection, transporting visitors into realms of science, illusion, and discovery. Light Night Leeds 2025 will illuminate the city on October 23 and 24, with events running each evening from 6pm to 10pm https://leedsstar.co.uk/whats-on/light-night-leeds-returns-this-october-with-dazzling-illuminated-artworks/

This October, Leeds will be transformed by a dazzling display of illuminated artworks as the spectacular Light Night Leeds returns. On October 23 and 24, the city’s most recognisable buildings and public spaces will be lit up with imaginative creations from artists around the world, drawing thousa...

27/09/2025

Leeds Scores Cricket Coup as City Secures Spot on Global Sporting Stage. City prepares to showcase its sporting prowess by hosting ICC Women’s T20 World Cup next year. After successfully hosting England’s thrilling Test victory against India earlier this week, Headingley Stadium is set to shine once again on cricket’s global stage when it welcomes the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2026. The renowned venue will play host to five exciting clashes featuring top international teams, including Australia, India, West Indies, Pakistan, and England, all competing fiercely for the esteemed trophy, currently held by New Zealand. The thrilling cricket action begins on Friday, June 12, 2026, kicking off an exciting month of international matches at Headingley Stadium. Hosting prestigious events like the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup significantly enhances Leeds’ stature as a major sporting destination and delivers substantial economic benefits to the city and surrounding region. The positive impact of such events is exemplified by the 2014 Tour de France Grand Depart, which generated over £100 million and led to lasting increases in tourism and business opportunities. Leeds’ crowning of Headingley as a key venue underscores the city’s evolution into a global sports hub — underpinned by economic growth, inclusive values, and sustainability. With world-class cricket about to hit home, the city and its fans have much to celebrate https://leedsstar.co.uk/sport/leeds-scores-cricket-coup-as-city-secures-spot-on-global-sporting-stage/

City prepares to showcase its sporting prowess by hosting ICC Women’s T20 World Cup next year. After successfully hosting England’s thrilling Test victory against India earlier this week, Headingley Stadium is set to shine once again on cricket’s global stage when it welcomes the ICC Women’s...

27/09/2025

Leeds Council’s Housing Programme Delivers High-Quality Affordable Homes. Leeds City Council’s commitment to delivering high-quality, affordable housing is paying off through its Council Housing Growth Programme. Over the past five years, the council has successfully built more than 400 new homes, providing modern, energy-efficient properties for tenants across the city. But construction is only part of the story. During the same period, the council has also acquired an additional 479 homes, including some newly built properties – from private owners and developers, significantly boosting the availability of council housing. This combined approach of building and buying is proving to be a winning formula, helping to meet the city’s growing demand for affordable homes while ensuring council tenants benefit from quality housing options. Leeds City Council has added six newly built homes on Manston Lane, Cross Gates, to its housing stock as part of the Council Housing Growth Programme (CHGP). Developed by Yorkshire-based housebuilder Strata, the three-bedroom family properties will be offered at affordable rents to residents on the council’s housing register. The homes form part of Desire, a wider Strata development where the council previously acquired eight ‘off-the-shelf’ properties earlier this year. Those homes are already occupied by council tenants https://leedsstar.co.uk/homes/leeds-councils-housing-programme-delivers-high-quality-affordable-homes/

Leeds City Council’s commitment to delivering high-quality, affordable housing is paying off through its Council Housing Growth Programme. Over the past five years, the council has successfully built more than 400 new homes, providing modern, energy-efficient properties for tenants across the city...

27/09/2025

Leeds Event Explores the Cringeworthy Clothing of Childhoods Past. Children’s fashion faux pas from centuries past will take centre stage at a special event in Leeds, shining a spotlight on the awkward and often amusing outfits young people have been made to wear throughout history. Hosted at Lotherton, the talk invites visitors to explore the enduring tradition of dressing children like miniature adults, particularly for family portraits. Attendees will get an up-close look at some of the more peculiar and impractical styles imposed on youngsters over the past 500 years. The event is part of Lotherton’s ongoing Fashion at Play exhibition, which traces the evolution of children’s clothing from the 1600s to the present day. One of the most striking outfits under the spotlight will be featured in the famous 1611 portrait Child with Rattle, which has undergone special conservation for its appearance in the exhibition. The painting shows a toddler, now identified as Henry Frederick Howard, who would go on to become the third Earl of Arundel, born in 1608. Fashion at Play will be at Lotherton until October 12, 2025 https://leedsstar.co.uk/whats-on/leeds-event-explores-the-cringeworthy-clothing-of-childhoods-past/

27/09/2025

New Council Housing Development Honours Leeds Swimming Champion Doris Storey. A new council housing scheme in Seacroft is delivering high-quality affordable homes while also celebrating the legacy of a local sporting hero. The Leeds City Council development on Brooklands Avenue has transformed a former brownfield site into a community of 25 one-bedroom apartments alongside eight two and three-bedroom houses. In a special tribute, the apartment building has been named after Doris Storey, the east Leeds swimmer who, at just 19 years old, won two gold medals at the 1938 Empire Games in Sydney. Two of Doris Storey’s grandchildren, brothers Darren and Damian Quarmby, joined senior councillors and stakeholders at Brooklands Avenue to mark the near completion of the development. During the visit, guests toured the newly named Doris Storey House apartment building, part of the wider Council Housing Growth Programme (CHGP). The scheme will deliver 33 new affordable homes – all available for rent by council tenants, providing a much-needed boost in Seacroft, where demand for housing remains high https://leedsstar.co.uk/homes/new-council-housing-development-honours-leeds-swimming-champion-doris-storey/

27/09/2025

Historic Lord Mayor’s of Leeds U1 Unique Number Plate Goes Up for Sale. A unique number plate that has been used by Lord Mayors of Leeds for more than 120 years has now been put up for sale. Following extensive market testing, Leeds City Council has appointed three specialist dealers to manage the sale of the historic U1 plate. Prospective buyers will have one month to submit their bids, with the transaction expected to proceed subject to final approval by council officers. Proceeds from the sale will be reinvested into the council’s budget, helping to support and protect essential local services. The story of the U1 number plate dates back to the Motor Car Act of 1903, which made number plates a legal requirement for all vehicles. At that time, local resident Rowland Winn, a founding member of the Automobile Association, purchased U1 – the very first plate to be issued in Leeds. When his friend Arthur Currer Briggs was elected Lord Mayor later that year, Winn gifted him the plate for use on the civic vehicle. From that point on, U1 became a defining symbol of the Lord Mayor’s office, used by successive Lord Mayors of Leeds for more than 120 years. Winn himself went on to become one of Leeds’s first car dealers and was later elected Lord Mayor of Leeds in 1938–39. He retired from public life in the 1950s and, in 1956, was awarded the Freedom of the City in recognition of his service and contribution to Leeds’s prosperity https://leedsstar.co.uk/news/historic-lord-mayors-of-leeds-u1-unique-number-plate-goes-up-for-sale/

A unique number plate that has been used by Lord Mayors of Leeds for more than 120 years has now been put up for sale. Following extensive market testing, Leeds City Council has appointed three specialist dealers to manage the sale of the historic U1 plate. Prospective buyers will have one month to....

27/09/2025

Leeds Launches JogOn Campaign to Tackle Harassment of Women Runners. The people of Leeds are being urged to report incidents of harassment as the new JogOn campaign sends a clear message: harassment of women and girls while exercising will not be tolerated. The campaign was officially launched at the Royal Armouries on 24 September, with keynote speeches from Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin and Olympic athlete Alex Bell. Following the event, members of Leeds Dock Running Club led a run through the city centre, finishing at City Square to highlight the campaign’s message. Delivered through the Safer Leeds partnership, JogOn aims to make outdoor spaces safer, more welcoming, and more inclusive for everyone. The initiative was first launched in Bradford in 2024, after a Runner’s World survey revealed that 60% of women runners had experienced harassment while running. Leeds is now building on this momentum to ensure women and girls feel safe and supported when exercising across the city. As part of the Leeds JogOn campaign, the Safer Leeds partnership and Get Set Leeds Local will work closely with local running clubs and parkrun groups to raise awareness, challenge unacceptable behaviour, and encourage women to report any incidents of harassment they encounter https://leedsstar.co.uk/news/leeds-launches-jogon-campaign-to-tackle-harassment-of-women-runners/

27/09/2025

Elland Road Regeneration Plans Set to Attract Billions in Investment, New Homes and Leisure Opportunities. Leeds City Council has opened a public consultation on updated planning guidance aimed at transforming the area surrounding Elland Road football stadium, in a move that could unlock a multi-billion pound boost to the city’s economy. The proposals include the potential development of up to 2,000 new homes, alongside major leisure and commercial opportunities. The consultation focuses on the ‘Elland Road 2025 Informal Planning Statement’ — a key document that will shape the future regeneration of approximately 30 acres of land around the stadium, much of which is owned by the council. If adopted, the refreshed guidance could pave the way for a vibrant new neighbourhood, with a mix of residential developments, enhanced public spaces, and community facilities that are fully integrated with the surrounding area. The draft planning document also highlights a range of potential uses for the site, including major leisure developments such as a community sports arena, hotel accommodation, and modern workspaces. These proposals align with the global trend of leveraging sports and football stadiums as catalysts for regeneration and long-term investment. There is also scope for educational facilities focused on sport, health, and wellbeing https://leedsstar.co.uk/news/elland-road-regeneration-plans-set-to-attract-billions-in-investment-new-homes-and-leisure-opportunities/

Leeds City Council has opened a public consultation on updated planning guidance aimed at transforming the area surrounding Elland Road football stadium, in a move that could unlock a multi-billion pound boost to the city’s economy. The proposals include the potential development of up to 2,000 ne...

27/09/2025

Leeds City Council Named Green Council of the Year. Leeds City Council has been officially recognised as Green Council of the Year, winning the title at the prestigious Political Purpose Awards. The accolade was presented by the Nature 2030 campaign, which celebrates organisations driving action on climate change through positive environmental and sustainability initiatives. Sponsored by Keep Britain Tidy, the award honours councils that have shown exceptional leadership in protecting and enhancing the local environment or that have introduced ambitious packages of environmental measures at a local level. Leeds secured the award in recognition of its ambitious response to declaring a climate emergency in 2019, shaped by a citywide public conversation that set the goal of becoming a net zero carbon city. Judges praised the council’s wide-ranging initiatives and service improvements, all contributing to positive environmental change across the city https://leedsstar.co.uk/news/leeds-city-council-named-green-council-of-the-year/

27/09/2025

First Direct Arena to Host the North’s Largest Digital Careers Fair This September. The North’s largest digital careers fair is set to return to the First Direct Arena in Leeds on Tuesday 30 September. The free-to-attend Leeds Digital Careers Fair, hosted by Leeds City Council, will bring together more than 50 leading digital and technology companies from across the region. This year’s event is sponsored by the Bank of England and will feature a wide range of employers showcasing career opportunities at every level, as well as interactive demonstrations, talks, and details of training pathways. Alongside some of the North’s biggest digital employers, attendees will also have the chance to connect with training providers offering routes into the sector, including T-levels, apprenticeships, bootcamps, and degree programmes. Some of the biggest names in technology, including Microsoft, will deliver interactive sessions and talks on the day. Topics will range from building an interactive app and using virtual reality for health and safety in construction to tips for getting hired in the tech sector and hands-on jobseeker AI workshops. The Leeds Digital Careers Fair will take place at the Leeds First Direct Arena on Tuesday 30 September 2025, running from 2:30pm to 6:30pm. Admission is free, with tickets available online https://leedsstar.co.uk/whats-on/first-direct-bank-arena-to-host-the-norths-largest-digital-careers-fair-this-september/

The North’s largest digital careers fair is set to return to the First Direct Arena in Leeds on Tuesday 30 September. The free-to-attend Leeds Digital Careers Fair, hosted by Leeds City Council, will bring together more than 50 leading digital and technology companies from across the region. This ...