Empty properties that have been left vacant in Leeds are to be brought back into use and transformed into affordable homes as part of a move by Leeds Action to Create Homes (Latch) to provide more accessible housing in the area.
It is a welcome and much-needed move, considering that figures from the beginning of the year showed over 23,000 people to be on the council house waiting list.
Prior to the pandemic, Leeds was already gripped in a housing crisis - but new figures suggest the pandemic has worsened the situation.
It's now estimated that over 3,500 residential properties currently stand empty in the city, whilst even seven hours a family are finding themselves without a home.
Latch CEO James Hartley and team stand outside a newly purchased property in Harehills / Image: Latch
Those that are available are also often unaffordable to people on low incomes.
Derelict abandoned houses in Chapeltown, Harehills, and Burley are set to be transformed into affordable housing for families and those on low incomes as part of a new initiative, which first requires Latch to raise £350,000 to cover the costs of renovations.
These funds will cover the renovation costs of six currently abandoned and derelict properties which will then be made available to those most in need.
And once they have moved in, the charity doesn't just stop there. Rather, they're on hand to support people to get their lives in order with everything from financial advice to mental health support.
Latch also gives people job opportunities, giving those who have been long-term unemployed the chance to learn trade skills in construction by working on renovation projects alongside their team.
Latch tenant Ibrahima Barry stands outside the property in Harehills / Image: Latch
All funds raised from the public will then be matched by their traditional funding model which draws upon grants and loans.
“The Community Share Issue is a way for local communities to give back and make a real difference here in Leeds whilst also benefiting financially themselves," said James Hartley, CEO of Latch.
“This is the first time we will have raised funds like this in our 30 year history but it’s an established model in the social housing and wider charity sector with Leeds Community Homes leading the way here in 2018.
“More properties mean we can change more lives. Six new properties mean we could help six more adults and three more children on top of the 140 people already helped each year.
“Renovated houses also have benefits for the wider Leeds community, with derelict properties tending to be hubs of antisocial activity.
"We’re really proud of the long legacy of positive impact we have on both individual lives and those of the communities in which we work.”
Trinity Leeds is transforming Trinity Kitchen into the ultimate space to watch all the World Cup 2026 action together.
Looking for somewhere to cheer on England in the 2026 World Cup? Don’t fret, we’ve got you covered.
Foodie hotspot Trinity Kitchen has been completely transformed into the ultimate fan zone with space for up to 1,000 cheering fans.
And they’ve made sure that nobody misses out on the action.
There are three super-sized 5x3m screens dotted around the space, so wherever you go you won’t miss out on a goal.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
There’s also a brand-new bar courtesy of local favourites Northern Monk named the ‘Northern Monk Trinity Tap’.
The tap will feature two, seven-metre bars with a whopping 20 beer taps to keep you refreshed and hydrated during the tournament, because cheering the lads on really can be thirsty work.
If you don’t fancy a beer there’s also cocktails, wine and soft drinks on offer as well - so nobody has to miss out.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Feeling peckish? Of course there’s 11 street food vendors serving match day meals and snacks to keep you fuelled through the games.
Choose from Caribbean jerk chicken from Jerk Junction, Indian street food from Rolawala and loads more.
Entry is completely free but if you’re after a reserved seat on a table, tickets cost just £10.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Josie Towning, Food and Beverage Manager at Trinity Leeds, said: “Trinity Kitchen will operate as normal during the day, transforming into a football fan zone in the evening.
“It will be one of the biggest World Cup venues in Leeds with three huge screens showing the games live and more dotted around Trinity Kitchen. There will be live roaming brass bands and DJs turning every England fixture into a true celebration.
“Fans can turn up and grab a space for free and we will also be offering table bookings for England games for those who want to guarantee the best spots to watch the drama unfold.
“Our line-up of street food vendors will serve bold flavours from around the world, while the all-new Northern Monk Trinity Tap will pour award-winning craft beers across 20 taps, making Trinity Kitchen the ultimate place to eat, drink and experience every unforgettable World Cup moment."
It’s all kicking off on Wednesday 17 June for England v Croatia. So rally your mates together, get your England shirts on and grab your tickets here.
Featured image - The Hoot Leeds
News
Dishoom announces official opening date for new Leeds restaurant
Clementine Hall
It's the moment we've all been waiting for, Dishoom is coming to Leeds.
The whispers of Dishoom's arrival in Leeds city centre have been going on for a while now, but over the past few weeks it has started to feel very real.
Taking over the beautiful old Flannel's site on the coveted Vicar Lane, signs started to pop up for Dishoom and work was cracking on fast.
Well now, we have an opening date - and we don't have long to wait.
Dishoom Leeds will open on Monday 3 August, with guests being able to enjoy 50% off food during an initial soft-opening period, ahead of the official opening on Friday 14 August.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
As with every Dishoom café, the Leeds restaurant begins with a story. This one takes inspiration from the extraordinary true events surrounding the explosion of the SS Fort Stikine in Bombay Dock in April 1944, a wartime disaster that sent gold bars flying across the city.
Legend has it that some of the missing gold was never recovered. Some was discovered embedded in walls and rooftops across Bombay. Other pieces quietly disappeared into the hands of lucky citizens, melted into bangles or hidden away in drawers.
Dishoom Leeds reimagines the fortune made from the gold bars and guests will discover subtle references to the glamorous mid-century details through the interiors and artwork, giving playful nods to Bombay’s golden age.
With all day dining available, guests can dine on the beloved breakfast right through to late evening feasting, with the café will serve a lovingly curated menu of Bombay comfort food inspired by the city’s cafés, grills, street stalls and family kitchens.
Shamil Thakrar, co-founder, also known as Head Babu, at Dishoom, said: “Leeds is a city with tremendous warmth, creativity and character, full of people who know the value of gathering together over good food and drinks. Bringing Dishoom here has long been a dream for us.”
"The story behind this café is rooted in one of Bombay’s most extraordinary moments – the day gold bars fell from the sky after the explosion of Fort Stikine in 1944. Amidst the tragedy and chaos, there were also tales of unexpected fortune, human resilience and hopeful reinvention. We were captivated by this, and we cannot wait to welcome Leeds into the café that pays homage to the heritage of Bombay.”
Georgina Pellant -
20th July 2021 
