HS2 in Leeds scrapped in favour of Oyster cards and quicker trains to Manchester
The Prime Minister announced the changes this morning but the full extent of the Northern Powerhouse rail that will replace HS2 in Leeds will be announced later today.
Despite an offering of £96 billion, the rail improvement programme is expected to transform public transport rather than bring high speed rail infrastructure (HS2) to Leeds.
The plans were announced this morning online, but are said to be confirmed by Transport Secretary Grant Shapps later on today.
HS2 is expected to be fully completed by the late 2030s. / Image: HS2 Ltd
HS2 would have originally connected Leeds with London, as well as Birmingham and Manchester, but it is the eastern leg of the HS2 plans that are now set to be scrapped in favour of improving existing services.
Outlining the new plans, the Prime Minister announced that the Northern Powerhouse Rail, the new rail improvement programme, will cut the journey from Leeds to Manchester to just 33 minutes and double train capacities.
Boris Johnson also announced that HS2 will be a fixture in Sheffield, but not necessarily in Leeds.
The journey from Sheffield to London is expected to take 1 hour 27 minutes under the new plans and the government will "look at how to get HS2 to Leeds too, with a new study on the best way to make it happen".
Under the new proposed rail scheme, the journey from Leeds to Bradford will be cut to 12 minutes and improvements will be made to Wakefield and Doncaster lines on an upgraded East Coast Main Line.
The Trans-Pennine Main Line will also be expanded, along with the Midland Main Line, by the early 2030s.
"By later this decade, Leeds will no longer be the largest city in Europe without a metro because we today commit to build West Yorkshire Mass Transit, and to the funding needed to see it through.
The Prime Minister arrived at Kings Cross station this morning to catch a train to the North of England as part of his Integrated Rail Plan tour. / Image: Andrew Parsons
The full announcements of these plans will be unveiled over the coming days, though most of the information is expected to be covered by the Transport Secretary's announcement later today.
Rachel Woolford, the winner of the BBC’s ‘The Apprentice’, has revealed plans to launch her first joint business with Lord Sugar.
The exciting new business venture will see Leeds local Rachel expand her hugely successful fitness space, North Studio, to offer a dedicated Reformer Pilates studio - right next door.
Lord Sugar has partnered with Rachel to purchase the commercial premises which will be part of the expansion of the existing Leeds studio and will add to North Studio’s Pilates offering with an extra 120 classes a month.
Image: Supplied
Former business management student turned fitness entrepreneur Rachel beat pie shop owner, Phil Turner, in the recent final of the The Apprentice with both pitching to Lord Sugar to win £250,000 and go into business with him.
Speaking about the investment Lord Sugar said: "Our acquisition of the commercial premises marks not only a significant milestone for North Studio but also a bold step forward in our new business partnership.
"This project brings an expansion of the existing North Studio offering is a direct response to the growing demand in the fitness industry for Reformer Pilates”.
Image: Supplied
Speaking on the expansion Rachel said: “At North Studio, we're all about delivering the highest quality, small group personalised fitness experiences. With investment from Lord Sugar, we are now able to achieve the next stage in our planned growth with the addition of a fantastic new space dedicated to Reformer Pilates that is still in keeping with our boutique studio vibe.
“I am extremely excited to start this new chapter in partnership with Lord Sugar and the team is working hard to bring the new studio to life ready to welcome clients.”
For more information about North Studio, check out their website.
Popular LGBTQ-friendly Leeds coffee shop put up for sale with an asking price of £45,000
Clementine Hall
Flamingos Coffee House in Leeds' Central Arcade on Briggate has recently been put up for sale.
Providing a safe and welcoming space for everyone in the LGBTQ community, Flamingos Coffee House is a well known spot amongst locals.
Serving up delicious cakes, sandwiches and hot drinks, it's also known for their numerous events held during the week such as open mic nights, student Sundays and loads more.
Constantly raising money for LGBTQ charities, it's a real asset to the city.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Flamingos has recently gone up for sale, with an asking price of £44,950.
The ad listing states: "Ernest Wilson are delighted to bring to market this immaculately presented city centre coffee shop. Our client has operated this business since 2023, during which time the premises have undergone an extensive refurbishment throughout and really must be seen to be appreciated.
"The business trades in easy hours over six days, opening at 10.30am daily – wonderful scope for enthusiastic new owners to consider opening earlier to develop the breakfast trade and boost turnover.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
"The premises occupy a prime trading position within a busy shopping arcade in the heart of Leeds City Centre with thousands of people passing daily. The premises are held on secure lease and comprise glass fronted coffee shop providing 26 covers in comfort."
This coffee shop is a real asset to the city and we hope it gains a wonderful new owner to maintain Flamingos in all its glory.
Sophie Smith -
18th November 2021 
