Leeds prepares for 2024 local elections as parties have their say

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May 1, 2024

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by Don Mort, local democracy reporter

Additional reporting: John Baron

Political parties in Leeds have set out their cases to the electorate on the eve of the 2024 Leeds local elections.

WLD has already published the profiles of candidates standing in the six wards in West Leeds. Check them out by following the links below:

The candidates for Mayor of West Yorkshire can be seen here.

Parties have issued statements setting out their agendas ahead of the vote tomorrow (May 2).

Labour

The Labour group, which controls Leeds City Council, said the vote was the last chance people have to make their voices heard before the next general election

Councillor James Lewis, Leeds Labour leader, said: “We are building new council houses and supporting people sleeping rough. We have raised the wages of some of the lowest paid in Leeds and are working to protect social care from Tory cuts and the Tory cost-of-living crisis.

“We are tackling fly-tipping with an environmental crime unit, and are proud that 99 per cent of all waste in Leeds is either recycled or converted into energy and from the summer glass will be able to go into our green bins later this year.

“All this despite the fact that since 2010, the Conservatives have cut £2.7bn from Leeds. This is money that could have spent on caring for older people and children, potholes, our parks, bins and street cleaning and more. The Conservatives chose to take that money away from our communities and we face the consequences.

“We’ll continue to protect public services in this city, and with our Labour mayor Tracy Brabin we are replacing the police the Tories have cut from our streets.

“We need your support to do all this, and continue to work hard for a fairer, cleaner and greener Leeds. Vote Labour on Thursday 2 May.”

Conservative

Alan Lamb, leader of the city’s Conservative group, said: “The local election is an important opportunity to choose who represents you on Leeds City Council and ultimately, who runs the city.

“It’s a challenging time with funding tight but all too often, the Labour run Council are choosing the wrong priorities. Was £11.5m on a year of culture worth it? Was it better to close off City Square than fix our crumbling roads? Labour have run up huge debts in the city and next year £1 in every £5 will be spent servicing this.

“It doesn’t have to be this way. Your vote on Thursday won’t change anything nationally but it could change what is delivered locally.

“If you want a council who will focus on the basics such as fixing the roads, emptying the bins, keeping our parks and streets clean and safe and managing your council tax carefully, please support our excellent Conservative Councillors to keep working for you, your community and our amazing city.”

Liberal Democrat

Liberal Democrat group leader Stewart Golton said people could send out a powerful message, but only if they turn out and vote.

He said: “Parties who have been in charge too long run out of ideas and are more interested in staying in control than doing the right thing. Labour has been in control of our buses, our police, our roads, our parks, our housing estates, our waste collection and care services for 15 years, and frankly they have failed.

“When Liberal Democrats ran Leeds City Council and chaired the local Transport Authority we had more bus services, more PCSOs on our streets, we recycled more, we built the Arena, Council tax was lower, and we didn’t overspend our budgets. Vote Liberal Democrat for the change we need for a fair deal for every part of Leeds.”

Green Party

The Green Party has been represented on Leeds City Council for 26 years. Group leader David Blackburn said: “Coming up with innovative ideas to deal with the real problems of today. Making our homes more energy efficient, thus reducing bills. Supporting local generation of renewables putting solar panels on our roofs. Fighting against the development of green field land which are the lungs of our city.

“We Greens are allowed to think for ourselves. We are not controlled by a centralised whipping structure.

“By electing more Greens, it will allow us to put pressure on the old outdated political parties who like Nero, fiddle while Rome burns.

“If you are serious about the future, want a world that is fit for your our children and our children’s children, then support your local Green Candidate.”

SDP

The Social Democratic Party said it was one of the fastest-growing parties in the country, and free of vested interests.

Middleton Park SDP councillor Wayne Dixon said: “SDP councillors get free votes on everything. We represent our communities and the city of Leeds at large.

“SDP councillors get things done. We get results – securing the rebuild of Broomfield school, developing our local sports clubs, improving the environment by keeping our streets clean and getting the basics sorted! We all live in our communities. That’s important.

“An SDP council would improve people’s lives by resisting waste and getting the basics done – the bins emptied, the streets cleaned, supporting the most vulnerable in our city. Crucially, we will be a voice to hold our West Yorkshire Mayor to account for the lack of Policing and poor public transport.”

Alliance for Green Socialism

The Alliance for Green Socialism said global heating was the biggest threat to human society.

Chapel Allerton candidate Mike Davies said: “The gross inequality of capitalism causes poverty, sickness, conflict and death. The two problems are intertwined. Capitalism depends on endless unlimited growth, impossible on a single planet. The search for a quick profit generates pollution, greenhouse gases and destruction.

“We need democratic green socialism – for all our sakes For Leeds we need a Clean Air Zone to protect people and their children. Real action now on the climate crisis

“An economy for all, not just a tiny minority. Proper jobs, not zero hours contracts. Taxes the rich actually have to pay. Public education, not academies

“National Health publicly owned, funded, and run. Cheap public transport, publicly owned and run.

“Genuinely affordable housing for all. Stop racism, stop Israeli genocide in Gaza

Stop the closure of Little Owls Nurseries. adult social care and a properly funded public NHS.”

The Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition

The Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition said councillors should be working with unions to fight for the resources needed by the city.

Iain Dalton, TUSC candidate for Gipton and Harehills, said: “At present we’re seeing working people’s lives upended by a Labour council doing the Tories’ dirty work.

“Parents and carers at Little Owls Nurseries and creatives at Aire Street Workshops have faced closure proposals with the council refusing to even provide them with the documents these decisions are based on, let alone properly consult them.

“Both proposals should be shelved, using the councils reserves and borrowing powers to keep them open and buy time to build campaigns to secure the necessary funding. We need proper funding for public services, not more tax breaks for the super-rich or spending on wars around the globe.”

Yorkshire Party

The Yorkshire Party said it planned to regenerate derelict sites with new housing, leading to lower property prices and rents.

The Yorkshire Party’s Bob Buxton said: “All new buildings need solar panels and proper insulation, and we’ll retrofit existing homes, reducing the cost-of-living.New homes need new infrastructure, GPs, dentists, schools and transport.

“Many people find it difficult to find a home, especially without a long record of having paid rent. I’ll introduce a rent-guarantor scheme, to bring tenants and landlords together.

“We need a West Yorkshire Metro, with elevated and underground sections, to cut through congestion. It will deliver quicker journeys than trams and buses.

“We’ll introduce a Yorkshire Pass, delivering the best deals for trains and buses No peak time hikes, no cross-border penalties, no need for advanced booking.

“Police must uphold the law without fear or favour. Burglaries, shoplifting, anti-social behaviour and road crime have been allowed to rise. No crimes should be tolerated.”

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Kirkstall Brewery’s historic beer festival returns this bank holiday weekend

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May 1, 2024

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Kirkstall Brewery is celebrating Britain’s incredible brewery history this bank holiday weekend (3-5 May) with the return of its Great Exhibition of Prize Ales event.

The heritage-themed beer festival, which is being held at the brewery on Kirkstall Road, will see breweries from across the country showcase their excellence and compete to win medals in ten categories of historic beer styles.

Building off the success of last year’s event, the festival will transport guests back in time, with a range of great tasting beers that have been recreated from decades-old recipes. Alongside this selection of historic beverages, there will also be stalls selling traditional food suitable for most dietary recruitments and live entertainment from local artists, such as Alligator Gumbo, Hyde Park Swingers Party, and Louis Louis Louis.

Breweries exhibiting by invitation only will be pouring everything from classic Bitters and Export Pale Ales, to Milds, Porters, Brown Ales and Barleywines, and even oak aged Stock Ales and Imperial Stouts. Some of the breweries confirmed to be in attendance are local favourites Northern Monk, North, and Horsforth Brewery, as well as standouts from further afield, including London’s The Five Points and Manchester’s Marble Beers.

Chris Hall, Kirkstall’s Brand Manager and organiser of the festival, said: “Last year we established a new kind of beer festival that joined breweries large and small, old and new, to celebrate the innovations in brewing that have occurred throughout our history. Over thirty-five different breweries poured beers inspired by the 20th century, 19th century and even older. One brewer even recreated a Bronze Age Ale!”

“This year we wanted to go bigger, and even better,” said Hall. “We’ll be pouring an even wider variety of beers so that there really is something for everyone to enjoy, and we’re inviting local spirits and soft drinks brands to be part of the fun, along with great food and live music.”

Tickets for the Great Exhibition of Prize Ales can now be purchased here and are priced at £18 per session. Upon entry, ticket holders will receive a unique commemorative glass, a program, and their first beer token. Tokens for sale on the day are priced at £2.50 and can be exchanged for a 1/2 pint of beer under 7% ABV, or a 1/3 pint of beer 7% and above.

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Rhinos star and dancers open new eco-friendly children’s facility at Pudsey Southroyd

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May 1, 2024

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southroyd ribbon — Jamie Jones-Buchanan. Photo: Southroyd School

By John Baron

Former Leeds Rhinos star Jamie Jones-Buchanan has cut the ribbon on a new eco-friendly learning and meeting space which ‘oozes sustainability’ at Pudsey Southroyd Primary School.

The school held a special celebration event yesterday which featured dance and music from pupils as the school unveiled The Cabin, which is a 90 per cent recycled learning space featuring 11 converted shipping containers and recycled Tetrapak to insulate the walls. It will boast a living roof when it is finished and is fully funded by the school.

The facility offers flexible meeting rooms, function space, community bookings, after-school groups, baby groups and toddlers’ activities and more. It replaces the outdated facilities which were previously on the site.

Local councillors and parents were at the launch event, and were entertained by a Leeds Rhinos ‘dance spectacular’ performed by pupils.

Jamie Jones-Buchanan cut the opening ribbon at the new facility and encouraged pupils ‘to write your own story’ there, be creative and ‘most importantly, be the best version of yourself’.

“It’s an honour to come to Southroyd,” the Rhinos’ first director of culture, diversity and inclusivity told the crowd. “I grew up in the Pudsey and Bramley area and attended Priesthorpe School. This whole area helped me in my journey to become a rugby league player when I was younger.”

He said all pupils had potential and encouraged youngsters to ‘go on a journey’. He said the new facility ‘oozes sustainability’ and praised the links between the Rhinos and the school

Final touches are currently being put to the children’s centre, which will officially open in the next couple of weeks.

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Buffaloes’ Bulletin: Bramley still top despite defeat

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May 1, 2024

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Danny-Booth — Danny Booth, Bramley Buffaloes

By Paul Abraham

With a sea of fresh faces and familiar ones, it was obvious that the Buffaloes’ coaches had their work cut out during the week to raise a team for the Elland match, especially with most of the first team away in Benidorm for a stag weekend.

Despite the Buffaloes’ reasonable plea for a postponement, the newly engaged Elland/Greetland coach denied it, even though the Greetland/Elland team also had several players enjoying the sunny shores of Benidorm, making the decision not to postpone the match all the more peculiar.

It came as no surprise that the Buffs suffered their first defeat of the season due to all the changes, but the Bramley officials and coaching staff could be proud of the effort and determination of the players involved who never gave in and battled to the final minute.

A try for Cam Leeming converted by Keiran McFarlane was all Bramley had to show for a gutsy first-half performance as the home team led 18-6 at the break.

An early second half try by Dan Booth, again converted by Keiran McFarlane brought the Buffs within a converted try to the hosts. A converted try by Elland/Greetland was soon negated as Cam Leeming went over for his second try and with McFarlane adding the points the gap was back to six points.

With a full interchange bench at their disposal, the home side capitalised on fresh legs to score two more tries before the final whistle, securing a victory with Buffaloes 18-36.

A full match report by Devon and Andy Johnson can be read on the following link.

Yorkshire men’s league results

Dodworth Miners 30 – York Acorn 10
Wyke 22 – New Earswick All Blacks 28

Despite the loss the Buffaloes still sit proudly at the top of Division Three. After just three rounds of matches only Birstall Victoria have not lost a match, although they have only played in one round so far, proving what a competitive division, this is going to be and augers well for an entertaining season.

This week’s opponents

The weekend has the Buffaloes competing in two cup ties: the first team will host Castleford Panthers, while the A team will embark on a journey to face Garforth.

Castleford Panthers visit West Leeds Rugby Union’s Blue Hill Lane ground standing in second place in division two with two wins from two and so will provide a stern test for the home side.

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Farsley Celtic partnership — www.farsleyceltic.com

Photos: Celts supporters in training ahead of first Farsley Football Festival

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May 1, 2024

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Photos: John McEvoy

Members of Farsley Celtic Supporters Club have been boosting their fitness ahead of the inaugural Farsley Football Festival on Sunday (5 May).

The festival – to be held at Farsley Celtic’s The Citadel ground – will consist of four teams: a chairman’s select XI, two Farsley Celtic legends teams made up of former players and a supporters’/general public team.

The first game kicks off at 2pm and there will be four games throughout the afternoon, with presentations in the early evening, followed by a DJ in the clubhouse. Food and refreshments will be available throughout the day. All welcome to attend the event.

Photographer John McEvoy was on hand to capture the supporters’/general public team in training:

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How Bramley class is making art accessible for all at Fairfield Community Centre

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April 30, 2024

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By Helen Fay

A free art class in Bramley that has been running since last September looks set to receive funding for another year.

The Affordable Art Class has been a well-attended and popular course when it is held at Fairfield Community Centre on Friday afternoons, from 1pm until 3pm during school term times. The current course is due to end in June before resuming in September.

Class teacher Sophie Flynn was motivated to set up the class after having a look at the cost of life drawing classes around Leeds and found that they were in her opinion, “rather pricey”.

Sophie told the West Leeds Dispatch: “They (the classes) are costly to run, but from the point of view of the participant there is also the cost of getting there as well as the cost of the course.

“During my lifetime there has been a bit of a ‘slide’ in arts provision, towards less accessibility and it was becoming costlier and more exclusive.

“There was a time where an arts education was more accessible in terms of cost. In the past there were also more leisure evening classes, and they were a great part of the fabric of British life. You could follow your interests, try things out, meet people with similar interests, and they were a great morale booster in the winter months.”

Sophie acknowledged that there are other organisations in Leeds that make participation in art more accessible, including some in West Leeds. She said: “While I would never resent artists making money, participation can be stymied by expense and the whole thing can become a ‘cash cow’ for the institutions.

“There has also been a gradual downturn in concessionary prices for people on low incomes, and when there is travel added into the mix it can prove prohibitive and a barrier to participation. I also took note that in certain places, were you to be granted a concession, you have to have exactly the right documents which can leave some feeling grilled over paperwork.”

Sophie concluded that West Leeds needed “a bit more arts provision, and activities for adults”. Sophie set about planning how best to make this a reality, considering what was the ideal set up for a life drawing class, what would draw people in and what barriers could be “got rid of”.

Sophie decided that “the class had to be free at the point of use with all materials provided. No documents. No sliding scales of payment. No stipulations in terms of experience or qualifications”. She also felt that the class should take place in the middle of the day rather than the evening as travelling at night might be more difficult for some people.

The class includes not only practical life drawing experience, but also talks on various aspects of drawing, use and history of materials and techniques, and a wide range of artist’s quality and other materials to try out. Sophie said: “It’s essentially about facilitating the experience of drawing, with the subject being the human body.”

After successfully obtaining funding from Leeds City Council’s Inner West Community Committee, Sophie was able to make her idea of the class become a reality last September and the sessions have proved to be popular.

“Class attendance has exceeded expectations with students returning week on week. There is a social aspect to it, with people chatting around drinks and snacks during the break. It’s a mixed ability group, with students on different art paths, but results have been encouraging with real progress and good work amongst the participants. Doing the class is enjoyable and it’s fascinating seeing, at the end of a session, what artwork has been created”.

The class has had support from local councillors to help the project along, with Bramley Councillor Caroline Gruen paying a visit one week to see how the class was going. The final session of the class this academic year will be on 7^th June. Sophie stressed that money was tight and she had been looking for funding to restart the project in September 2024.

In the meantime there is room for new people in the class, contact Fairfield Community Centre by email for further information: fairfieldcommunitycentre1@gmail.com. Fairfield Community Centre can also be followed on Twitter/ X: @CentreFairfield.

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‘Mr Barista’ brings a taste of ‘Down Under’ to Rodley

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westleedslife

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April 30, 2024

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Mr Barista Butties and Brews opened on Monday, 29 April with the aim to bringing something a bit different to Rodley.

Community reporter Jim Corah chatted with Nick Kozić-Shaw, Mr Barista himself, about his eight-year journey to opening the coffee shop, the importance of finding the right coffee roaster, and watching the Ashes in Australia.

The new coffee shop will be a “cross between a traditional sandwich shop with artisan coffee and baked treats,” said Nick, Mr Barista, as he was putting finishing touches to the shop at 127 Town Street, Rodley.

While there has been a sandwich shop at that location before, Nick hopes that good quality independent coffee, and food from Jodie Bakes, Doboy Donuts and Gilchrist Bakery will go down well with the Rodley community. The coffee shop will be open 8am to 2pm weekdays and 8am to 1pm on Saturdays.

Serving coffee is not a completely new venture for Nick, who operates the Mr Barista Coffee Van which visits offices and events. Preparing for opening the new coffee shop in the heart of Rodley has taken five weeks, though this is part of a much longer association with good coffee for Nick.

Eight years ago Nick decided to switch from working in hospitality recruitment to launching his own coffee van. The recruitment industry had taken Nick to Australia, where he has family. Nick had always wanted to catch the Ashes played in Australia, though his stay there also exposed him to the Australian approach to coffee.

Due to the number of independent coffee businesses in Australia, Nick noted that their coffee was completely different to that offered by UK high street brands. Nick realised that the coffee van would allow him to work outside in his shorts, a “I can do that” moment.

Nick had an eye on the location in Rodley for some time as it is in the heart of his community. When circumstances were good and the opportunity came up, it offered the chance to expand the business to a coffee shop, alongside the coffee van. The fit out was done by themselves, while managing the demands of an eight month old baby, a dog, and running the van.

At the centre of the Mr Barista approach has been the relationship with Ue Coffee Roasters, based in Whitney, Oxfordshire. The UK’s first wood-powered coffee roastery, Ue Coffee Roasters have an ethical goals for their business, sourcing their fuel from sustainable sources and donating spare food to a local homeless charity in Oxfordshire. Ethical and with a positive impact on the community are important for Mr Barista.

Ue’s means of roasting coffee beans with wood produces a light flavour that is not over powering. For Mr Barista Butties and Brews this means a coffee that can be enjoyed by coffee lovers and regular coffee drinkers alike. The interior of the coffee shop has been fitted out to be simpler, cleaner, and modern compared to what was there before, and outside there is tables for when the weather is good. The branding was created by Nick’s brother who still lives in Melbourne, Australia.

While independent coffee shops are sometimes viewed as ‘hipster joints’ Nick knows that good coffee, food, and service appeal to all customers. When asked what customers can expect from Mr Barista Butties and Brews, Nick said with a smile that opening week will be “mayhem” though it would remain “friendly, local and for the community.” Feedback is welcome, customers can come have a chat.

Check out the Mr Barista Butties and Brews social media for offers and specialities – Instagram and Facebook.

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Voters urged to take part in local elections on Thursday

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April 30, 2024

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Voters in Leeds are encouraged to make their mark by taking part in the Leeds City Council and regional elections this week.

Polling stations across Leeds will be open from 7am to 10pm on Thursday 2 May for everyone registered who has not already voted by post to support their candidates for Leeds City Council as well as for the regional Mayor of West Yorkshire. Anyone unsure of where their polling station is can find out here.

Everyone voting in person on Thursday is reminded of the need to remember to take their accepted form of photo ID with them to the polling station, which will be checked on arrival. To see the list of accepted forms of ID visit this website. Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.

Anyone wishing to hand in a postal vote rather than returning it in the post via Royal Mail needs to be aware of the following rules changes:

Completed postal vote packs can only be handed in at a polling station or at the electoral services office at Leeds Civic Hall, LS1 1UR. No other council offices will be able to accept votes.
Anyone handing in a postal vote on behalf of themselves or other people will be required to fill in a form, giving their name and address, how many postal votes they are handing in and why they are being handed in rather than returned by post. Polling station and council staff will be able to help with this process.
If handing in postal votes on behalf of other people, this is now limited to the person handing the votes in along with up to five other votes – so a maximum of six.

For more information on completing and returning postal vote packs, click here.

Anyone who has not yet received their postal ballot pack should inform the elections team on 0113 222 4411 or e-mail electors@leeds.gov.uk to arrange a replacement, which can be issued up to 5pm on polling day.

The election counts will take place at the John Charles Centre for Sport with the Leeds City Council count during the day on Friday, 3 May and the count for Mayor of West Yorkshire on Saturday, 4 May.

Elections Returning Officer and chief executive of Leeds City Council Tom Riordan said: “We would encourage people in Leeds to help shape the future of the city and the region by taking part in this week’s elections. Please remember to take an accepted form of photo ID with you to the polling station, as without it you will not be allowed to vote.”

Check out the profiles of candidates standing in the six wards in West Leeds by following the link below:

The list of candidates’ names standing for election in all 33 Leeds City Council wards can also be seen at Leeds City Council Election while the candidates for Mayor of West Yorkshire can be seen here.

More information on the role of the Mayor of West Yorkshire can be seen here.

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New 20mph zones set for Farsley and Woodhall streets

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April 29, 2024

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A consultation has been launched over plans to introduce additional 20mph speed limits on streets in Farsley, Thornbury and Woodhall, Leeds City Council has said.

Streets identified for 20mph zones include:

Back Lane, Beckbury Close, Beckbury Street, Broom Mills Road, Burton Street, Gaunts Place, Lawson Court, Mill Beck Close, Old Fold, Prospect Street, Prospect Terrace, St John’s View, Woodhall Close, Woodhall Croft and Woodhall Road, off Gain Lane in Thornbury, (not Woodhall Road in Calverley).

A Leeds City Council report said: “Leeds City Council has a long-standing ambition to provide 20mph zones and speed limits in residential areas, to make Leeds a Child Friendly City, to improve Transport and Infrastructure and to improve Health & Wellbeing. These schemes are also an integral part of the Council’s Safer Roads Action Plan and have been making a major contribution to reducing road casualties which are at a record low level.

“Lower speed limits in residential areas have significant benefits for road safety, where typically injury rates are reduced by 50% or more and the wellbeing of local communities where they are known to complement strategies for active travel modes such as walking and cycling.

“Overall, these proposals will improve road safety by creating a safer road environment, reducing the number and severity of accidents which occur in these areas, and contributing to a long-term change in driver behaviour with slower vehicle speeds in residential areas.”

If you wish to object to, or make any representations concerning the proposed order, you should write to Traffic Engineering, City Development, Civic Hall, Leeds LS1 1UR or e-mail troteam@leeds.gov.uk specifying the grounds on which your objection or representation is made, by no later than 17 May 2024.

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Pudsey author James Oddy launches Leeds rugby league book

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April 29, 2024

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Pudsey-based sports pournalist James Oddy has been hard at work again.

His new book, Blue and Amber Voices: Stories from Leeds Rugby League, is out today and provides a collection of first-hand accounts from some of the greatest players to ever pull on the famous blue and amber kit of Leeds rugby league club.

Spanning multiple generations and eras, the book charts the ups and downs of one of rugby league’s great clubs. Relive the glory days of the 1960s and 70s with Alan Smith, the big-spending 80s with Gary Schofield, the promise of the 90s with Francis Cummins, the domination of the 2000s with Jamie Peacock and consider the future of the game with Caitlin Beevers.

With a plethora of candid and revealing interviews from some of the most explosive and entertaining players of the last 50 years from both the UK and down under, Blue and Amber Voices offers an array of stories and insight rarely seen previously.

James Oddy said: “It’s been an absolute privilege to put this together. Rugby League has been a part of my life for 25 years, and Leeds along with it. I love the sport, club and city. Featuring new interviews with Great Britain, New Zealand and Australian internationals, cult favourites, and new stars of the women’s game, it’s a reflection on one of the worlds greatest rugby clubs.”

James has written both nationally and internationally about sport, culture and film for such publications as Four Four Two, Rugby League Express, Prospect and Little White Lies. His 2017 rugby league biography, True Professional: The Clive Sullivan Story, was named among The Guardian‘s sports books of the year and was the basis for an acclaimed documentary in 2021.

Book launches

Blue and Amber voices, is out today (Monday, 29 April).

Philip Howard Books Ltd. – 47 Street Lane, Roundhay LS8 1AP. Book launch Saturday, 4 May from 2pm. Meet Garry Schofield along with author James Oddy at the signing. Call 0113 225 9797 to reserve your copy.
Waterstones Book Shop – 93-97 Albion Street Leeds Ls1 5AP. Book launch Tuesday, 7 May from 6.30pm. Details here.
Truman Books – 95 Town Street, Farsley LS28 5HX. Book launch Wednesday 29 May. Doors open 6.30pm event starts 6:45pm. James Oddy will talk about his latest publication. Grab your tickets here.

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‘Strong’ response for partner to help deliver Kirkstall Forge housing

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westleedslife

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April 28, 2024

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By John Baron

A partner to help deliver new houses at the multi-million pound Kirkstall Forge development will be selected ‘in the next few months’, site owners CEG have said.

CEG have outline planning permission for 1,385 homes at the former industrial site, which currently features a commercial and office block and a train station. The developers have been looking to identify a partner to deliver a high-quality housebuild to the east and west of the site, and had set a deadline of 4 April for potential partners to come forward.

CEG commercial development director Antonia Martin Wright this week told WLD: “We received a strong partner response and are now working through information with a view to selecting a partner in the next few months.”

Part of the Kirkstall Forge site, waiting for residential development. Photo: John Baron

The eastern parcel of land consists of 12.63 acres surrounded by an established woodland. Listed buildings on the site will be retained by CEG and its investors. The three-acre western parcel features access from the A65 and through Kirkstall Forge.

WLD reported last July that CEG hope to have both new office and residential developments up and running ‘within a couple of years’ – and admitted that a combination of the Covid pandemic, the cost of living crisis and the war in Ukraine had all impacted progress on both commercial and residential elements of the 57-acre site.

The partnership opportunity was advertised on the Saville website and can be viewed here.

Plans for a new public sculpture at the Kirkstall Forge site were approved by the council in February.

Activity is continuing Kirkstall Forge and a new Green Skills course will be starting at Forging Futures Campus. There will be an open day on 18 June.
A musical celebration of the life of Kirkstall Forge legend, Betty Beecroft, is set to hit the boards from Thursday, 2 May, at Armley’s Leeds Industrial Museum in the world premiere of folk musical Mother of the Revolution. More details and tickets can be found here.