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Headingley's £1m community bid gets seal of approval
Headingley is to get a new heart thanks to the fundraising efforts of a group of campaigning residents.
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The Headingley Development Trust – an organisation of over 800 people – has been given the go-ahead by the city council's Executive Board to take over a former primary school and convert it into an enterprise, arts and community centre.
The trust has raised over 1m to transform the former Headingley Primary School, Bennett Road, into the centre to be called HEART.
Supporters of the scheme raised 100,000 through a share issue, they attracted a further 500,000 in grants and have secured a 500,000 council loan.
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The new centre will include start-up business units, meeting rooms and a performance space.
Richard Norton, trust chairman, said: "We are grateful to the council for this opportunity. We are determined that this facility will change the nature of life in Headingley by being a meeting point for all its residents, and the beginning of a more sustainable and stable community. We look forward to welcoming recent graduates and long-term
residents alike into the HEART of their community."
The council's support for the scheme has been welcomed by local councillors.
Coun Martin Hamilton (Lib Dem, Headingley) said: "As councillors we have all worked long and hard with the Headingley Development Trust and local residents to get the go-ahead for this scheme. We are all obviously delighted with the outcome."
Councillor James Monaghan (Lib Dem, Headingley) said: "I welcome the Executive Board's decision especially in the current economic climate. It is a vote of confidence for the Headingley Development Trust and the hard work and dedication they have put into making this happen."
Coun Jamie Matthews (Lib Dem, Headingley) said: "I believe this will certainly add to the long-term viability of the Headingley. The scheme will encourage families and graduates to continue living in the area."
* People wishing to get involved in the project should go to www.headingleydevelopmenttrust.org.uk or contact development worker Kim Johnston at kim@headingleydevelopmenttrust.org.uk or call 0791 206 8300).
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