‘Flagship’ Leeds vehicle charging hub project set to create dozens of new jobs

Plans for a ‘flagship’ new electric vehicle (EV) charging hub in New Wortley, Leeds are revealed in an online public consultation, launched by planning and development consultancy Lichfields on behalf of bp pulse.

The proposed development could see 28 covered ultra-fast charging bays constructed on a former gas holder site off the Wellington Road in New Wortley.

The facility, which would enable users to charge their vehicles in under 30 minutes, would also see a new retail/food and drink unit built to provide refreshments while customers wait for their vehicles to charge.

This would also be available for use by local residents while a landscaping and tree planting scheme, and an additional parking area for customers waiting to use the EV charge points or the retail facilities, including two accessible parking spaces, is also planned.

Dozens of construction jobs would also be created during the initial build phase with a further 29 full-time and indirect jobs associated with the scheme on the cards once the hub goes live.

If the project gets the green light, it will see the provision of EV charge points in the local area boosted by 13 per cent, helping to address the lack of charging facilities in the Leeds area. The public consultation, which is live online until 10 December, will consider the views of hundreds of local residents, motorists and other stakeholders.

Johnny Froggatt, project delivery lead for bp’s charging hubs and local Leeds resident, commented: “As a former apprentice at the gas works site, I’m excited to be leading its re-development as the city continues to evolve.

“This proposed scheme demonstrates bp’s ability to turn plans into action. Projects like this will help bp to our global aim of 100,000 charge points installed this decade.”

Ryan Barrett, planner at the Leeds office of Lichfields, who is overseeing the planning submission, said people are encouraged to take the opportunity to become involved through consultation and share their views on the scheme with feedback to help inform the scope of the final plans.

He added: “We hope that the public consultation will reveal support from local people and stakeholders for the development, which will bring a disused site back in to use while creating a much-needed facility and jobs.

“Sustainability lies at the heart of the proposals, which promise to deliver a host of benefits and contribute to the roll out of EV facilities across Leeds. The scheme is also set within a well-connected landscaped site, complete with all the amenities and functionality demanded by drivers requiring ‘ultra-fast’ charging hubs.”

By Matthew Neville – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily

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