Over the last ten years, Leeds has transformed from a northern industrial city to one of the most vibrant and successful cities in the country, with thriving finance, business service and retail sectors. Leeds´ colourful past is embraced by the invigorating and dynamic future vision for the city. Rapid industrial growth during the nineteenth century transformed a successful town into a thriving city.

Leeds Town Hall, one of the fi nest civic buildings in Britain, the Grand Theatre, St Paul´s House, elegant arcades and numerous other examples of Victorian, Edwardian and Georgian architecture are monuments to the city´s sustained prosperity. Much of the City´s heritage has recently been lovingly restored and preserved as witnessed by the attractive renovations of the Corn Exchange, Victoria Quarter, County Arcade and Leeds Market Buildings.

Alongside the restoration and preservation of the Leeds´ heritage exciting and fl ourishing new developments such as pedestrian precincts, the Playhouse Theatre and superb new offi ce accommodation have been built. In conjunction with the new developments, the Leeds Waterfront has exploded into life with a mixture of business and housing supported by shops, restaurants and hotels; all of which epitomise the City´s growing status as a European centre.

The City has become the home to over 75 different nationalities and this rich mix of people and skills produces a thriving artistic and cultural life. The City supports exciting theatre and dance, great opera and music, prize-winning galleries and museums. Sporting activities in Leeds really pull in the crowds and the City is famous for football, cricket, rugby, swimming, the Leeds Marathon and national and international cycling events.

The Leeds district embraces thriving communities such as Headingley, Horsforth and Holbeck, plus the market towns of Otley and Wetherby, the villages of Harewood and Aberford and the townships of Pudsey and Morley. Combine the differing communities with the city, townships and the villages and add the spectacular countryside of the Yorkshire Moors and Dales to give a centre of infinite variety.

Jobs

A key strength of the local economy is its diversity. Leeds has the most diverse economy across the full range of economic sectors of the UK´s top 15 employment centres. In the last 20 years, more jobs have been created in Leeds than in any other UK city outside London, and over the next 10 years Leeds is expected to generate a third of the region´s total employment growth - some 30,000 new jobs.

Transport and Communication

Located at the geographical centre of the UK and at the intersection of the motorway network, Leeds enjoys excellent transport and communications links to the rest of the UK. London is just two hours away by train, while daily flights from Leeds Bradford International Airport connect the city to major European business and holiday destinations.

Shopping

Leeds is one of the largest retail centres in the UK, employing more than 14,000 people and a further 3,000 in associated services. The city centre has an excellent retail mix of major department stores, shopping centres, high street chains, speciality and prestige shopping attractions, catering for all tastes and ages. With over 1,000 shops in the city centre, Leeds is the region´s prime shopping location. Dubbed the Knightsbridge of the North by the Lonely Planet Guide to Britain, Leeds is also ranked fourth by Experian in their annual survey of the UK´s top shopping destinations. The city has more than 4.3 million square feet of retail space, featuring top quality retailers including Harvey Nichols, Vivienne Westwood, Joseph and Space NK. Retail areas include the Victoria Quarter, Corn Exchange, Headrow Centre, Leeds Shopping Plaza and The Light.

Nightlife

Leeds has been voted the UK´s Number One City for Clubbing and this is not surprising given the city´s vibrant entertainment and cultural scene. With over 100 bars, 75 restaurants and over 25 nightclubs in the city centre alone, Leeds is renowned for its buzzing nightlife.

Learning

Voted the Best UK University Destination by The Independent, Leeds has two internationally acclaimed universities, the University of Leeds and Leeds Metropolitan University. It has become the most popular university choice in the country, with a total student population of over 100,000. In fact, the University of Leeds is the number one student destination in the country, receiving over 52,500 applications for the current academic year - beating every other university by at least 1,000 applicants.

Recent research shows that residents are extremely proud of Leeds and aware of the city´s many benefi ts as a place to live. Residents rate living in Leeds highly, with 91% of people stating that the city provides a great quality of life. Leeds has exceptional parks and green spaces, as well as great sports venues. A separate national survey has crowned Leeds as the Best Place in Britain to Live. The Urban Behaviours study revealed that 65% of 15 - 35 year olds living in the city have rated public transport, amenities, cleanliness and entertainment as excellent.