Local councillors visit new Clarion community space on Killingbeck estate in Leeds

The site was formerly home to the Pavilion community centre, owned and managed by Clarion, which was used regularly by residents until a few years ago. Due to significant and costly improvement works needed to keep the building safe, the centre was closed and following issues with anti-social behaviour and vandalism, it was demolished.

Clarion remains committed to providing somewhere for people to come together and access activities and support, so a temporary community space has been opened to provide a base for engagement. This will remain in place for the next five years whilst Clarion Futures, the charitable foundation of Clarion Housing Group, works with local partners and residents to identify community requirements.

The temporary community space takes the form of a Playbox – a shipping container provided by Playful Anywhere which contains fun, creative games and toys to help drive community engagement. Local community organisation, the LS14 Trust, will be based there, employing a play worker and providing a range of activities and opportunities for local residents of all ages.

Whilst long-term plans are developed, the multi-use games area (MUGA) will remain open, and landscaping work will be undertaken to improve the area around the new temporary community space.

Matt Parsonage, Head of Communities at Clarion Futures, said:“We are committed to providing a space on the Killingbeck estate for community use so are consulting with local residents to understand requirements and help shape next steps. Our hope is that we will be able to build a new permanent community centre on the site, but until then we have brought in this temporary space to help us engage with local people.

“Our residents understand the local community better than anyone so we’re calling on them to get involved – we want to hear about the things that matter most and find out what will work best for people living in and around the estate.”

Councillor Helen Hayden, Leeds City Council’s executive member for children and families, said: “We work hard towards our ambition for Leeds to be the best city for children to grow up in, and play is a vital part of this. It is great to see this space being used to prioritise fun and creativity in the community.”

Naomi Roxby Wardle, Children, Youth and Family Director at the LS14 Trust, said:“We’re delighted to be working with Clarion Futures to bring more opportunities to the local area and it’s fantastic to see the community getting involved in shaping the future of the site. Pavilion Playbox is a space where residents can explore, create, and connect, and we’re excited to see it become a vibrant, inclusive hub for all.”

To share views and get involved, local residents can email [email protected].