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Traffic cones had littered this busy Leeds city centre junction for more than two whole years.

It is a busy junction for traffic near to the Leeds First Direct Arena and Millennium Square, and became an eyesore for everyone who passed it.

And now, work is complete on Leeds' newest park - a small city-centre green space measuring no more than 10 metres by 10 metres at the junction of Claypit Lane and Woodhouse Lane.

Work on the new feature finished in late June, and was built at a cost of £2.8 million.

(Image: Google Maps)

Why did it take so long to complete?

It wasn't just the park that was improved as part of the scheme. The surrounding roads were given a facelift too.

A small, one-way street infront of the former Cobourg and Bar Red has been closed off completely, while new markings have been painted on the main roads.

There was also the new Merrion House building to contend with - a major construction that now houses hundreds of Leeds City Council employees.

What happened to the tunnel?

(Image: Leeds City Council)

The subway used to provide safe passage for pedestrians looking to cross the road - but it hasn't been in use for a number of years and was described by planning officers as 'a maintenance liability'.

For quite a while, the entrance to the tunnel was simply used a storage area for barriers and cones to be used at Millennium Square events.

Now though, the tunnel has been pumped full with foam concrete and completely buried underneath the new park and pavements.

How much of an impact has it had?

For people living in the row of houses backing directly onto the park, it has seen more than two years of disruptions.

Most of the nearby residents are students, including 19-year-old Peter Donnelly.

He said: "I've lived here for a year and it has disrupted my sleep. I've been woken up in the early hours of the morning and I'd struggle to get back to sleep.

"It does look nice and I suppose the work has paid off - but it has taken quite a while.

Likewise, a Leeds Beckett University employee who works nearby admitted: "It has taken such a long time for such a little area."

What is in the park?

Double-sided benches, trees and new pathways have been built on the small patch of land in Leeds city centre.

It's the first project completed as part of the city-wide scheme labelled Leeds Our Spaces Strategy, which will also see The Headrow transformed in an ambitious £20m development.

Cllr Judith Blake, leader of Leeds City Council, said: "Our ambition, set out in the strategy is to bring new spaces to life, and create further spaces in the city centre that look more attractive, are more welcoming and people-friendly to allow us to have a city that looks as good as it feels.

"Work is ongoing on a number of other projects, both temporary and permanent across the city, such as the new public realm transformation as part of the wider Quarry Hill development and our pop up parks for over the summer which we are looking forward to welcoming back for another year."

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