City sees £51m windfall from airport sale

Money which has been obtained by council chiefs in Leeds through the sale of Leeds Bradford Airport is to be put towards a major revamp of the city centre.

According to reports, councillors will use the £51 million windfall to pay for some major projects including creating a new concert arena, building a public swimming pool and redeveloping schools in the area.

Leeds Bradford Airport was sold three months ago to Bridgepoint Capital for a deal worth £145.5 million.

Council leader Mark Harris reiterated that they would have been unable to afford many of the planned changes without the money provided by the deal.

He told the BBC: "Now that the sale has been concluded, we will ensure that the windfall is invested wisely in projects that will have a lasting benefit for all the people of Leeds.

"Our aspirations for a much-needed arena facility for the city will benefit from public sector investment of up to £20 million. Our contribution is made possible from the sale of the airport."

Earlier this month, a coach service named the Aircoach was launched which now runs between York and Leeds Bradford Airport making access to the terminal building even easier than before.