HAVING REMOVED A LEYLANDII WHAT WOD E ABLE TO GROW THERE RE SHRUBS ETC

you will have to improve the soil with lots of compost or other organic material first ,then it will depend on position if its in shade, sun, etc but lots to choose from when soil is improved

Yes I agree you must improve the soil, also make sure you get all the old roots out. It would be wise to let the soil settle before replanting, a few days would be better than none. I hope this helps.

Can't answer the question properly re the planting unless you give us a clue about the conditions, in terms of which way it faces, the area you want to plant, shady or sunny, very windy...?