A multibillion-pound action plan to supercharge West Yorkshire’s creative industries has been approved by regional leaders at a meeting of the Combined Authority in Leeds.
In addition, Mayor Brabin has signed an agreement to boost access to grassroots sport and physical activity with Sport England.
The two major milestones cement the Mayor’s commitment to championing and investing in culture, heritage and sport, as a way of growing the economy and putting jobs, opportunity and hope at the heart of the region’s future.
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “This is a great moment for West Yorkshire. With record investment in our creative industries and grassroots sport, we’ll build happier communities and boost jobs and growth.
“This bold new culture plan, combined with our flagship agreement with Sport England, will help more of our young people to live healthier lives, pursue creative careers, and contribute to a stronger, brighter West Yorkshire.”
Regional leaders approved the first-ever Creative Industries Cluster Action Plan for West Yorkshire at a full meeting of the Combined Authority.
It sets out a vision to grow the region’s creative economy from £2.2 billion to £4.1 billion by 2035, by backing freelancers and creative businesses, creating happier, more vibrant communities, and putting more money in people’s pockets.
It outlines how 50,000 new jobs will be created in sectors such as fashion, textiles, music, screen and games, with actions to unlock affordable workspaces and improve access to skills training and finance.
The new plan highlights Mayor Brabin’s role in shaping the national Creative Industries Sector Plan and aligns with One Creative North – a collaboration of Northern Mayors, Arts Council England, Creative PEC, Public Service Broadcasters and other partners.
With 70% of the UK’s creative industries concentrated in London and the South East, One Creative North aims to nurture, sustain, retain and champion local talent, and add £10bn to the North’s economy by 2035.
It follows West Yorkshire being named as one of six national “priority places” for the creative industries between 2026 and 2029, with a share of £150 million to be received. This government funding will help to accelerate new initiatives, grow existing programmes, attract private investment and create space for new ideas.
