Why Leeds?

The city of Leeds metropolitan district has a population of 750,200. Leeds is also the largest city in Yorkshire as a whole.

Development

In recent times Leeds has seen many new developments, with high rise schemes making a much larger mark on Leeds skyline. Sixteen skyscrapers are currently under construction or proposed.

Tourism

Conde Nast Traveller magazine readers awards Leeds as the UK's favourite city in 2004. Best English city to visit outside London in 2005. Visitor city of the year by The Good Britain Guide in 2005. A vibrant city, rich in culture and heritage and ideally located in the very heart of England, it is supported by an extensive rail road and air network which makes travelling to Leeds quick and easy. Leeds Bradford international airport is one of the fastest growing regional airports, with 75% growth in passenger numbers in the last 5 years. Over 450 weekly flights connect the city to over 50 major European businesses and holiday destinations.

Tourism in Leeds is estimated to support over 20,000 full time equivalent jobs, and on average Leeds attracts around 1.4 million people annually who stay overnight, plus a further 18.4 million who visit on day trips. Visitors to the city bring nearly £35 million into the local economy. Leeds is also the only city outside London to have both its own opera and ballet companies.

On 30th January 2006 a zero fare bus service (the FreeCityBus) started running on a circular route in Leeds. Leeds is the UK's third largest media city behind London and Manchester.

Roundhay Park is probably the most notable of the parks in Leeds and is one of the largest city parks in Europe

Leeds has a very large student population and has a large number of pubs, bars, nightclubs and restaurants. Leeds has gained a reputation as one of the UK's favourite destinations.

Education

Leeds has two universities, The University of Leeds with around 31,500 full time students (and a further 52,000 on short courses). The Leeds Metropolitan University with around 26,000 (according to UCAS; the LMU website claims 37,000).