Plans are being drawn up for a chemical-free outdoor swimming pool to be built on top of the West Yorkshire moors, right in the middle of Bronte country - under an hour's drive from Leeds.
During lockdown, outdoor swimming saw a huge boon as people looked for different ways to enjoy the outdoors amidst tough restrictions on personal freedoms and indoor mixing between households.
Many took to wild swimming for the first time and fell in love, particularly in West Yorkshire where there are a large number of outdoor swimming groups and networks.
It became so popular, in fact, that Leeds Dock opened up to wild swimmers with a number of bookable sessions last summer.
Now, it has emerged that a keen local swimmer has been drawing up plans to build the UK's highest altitude lido on the top of the West Yorkshire moorland.
Planning is still in the early stages but, if built here, it would sit at 378 metres (1,240ft) above sea level - making it the highest lido in the country.
Current suggestions for the location of the new lido include Oxenhope, a small village close to Haworth that was once home to the famous Bronte sisters.
According to reports, the team behind the project has their sights set on a 7-acre site near Thornton Moor reservoir that was formerly used as a water treatment plant.
Described as “an accessible, safe, natural outdoor swimming destination for everyone”, the lido would make history as one of the first naturally-filtered public swimming pools in the country.
The pool, if built, would remain open all year round, with a poolside sauna on hand for hardy winter swimmers to warm up in when temperatures hit zero.
Caroline Kindy, the brains behind the project, said on its website: “The Yorkshire Swim Works was conceived during a lockdown quest to find amazing and safe places to swim outdoors. The idea was shared with a group of expansive thinkers and has grown into a project with real potential”.
She continues: "The Yorkshire Swim Works is a new, ambitious and exciting project. The ultimate aim is to offer an all-year-round opportunity for people to connect with nature in a wonderful place to swim outdoors, take a soothing sauna, and stay in a contemporary eco-lodge."
The project has recently received a grant from Bradford Council, home to the city of culture 2025, to explore the viability of the project.
Sarah Ferriby, Bradford council’s lead for healthy people and places, said: “We are thrilled to support the Yorkshire Swimming Works. Bradford is a district that is two-thirds rural with some of the most stunning countryside in the UK, from Ilkley Moor to Brontë country in Haworth. A project like this is perfect for Bradford right now and has the potential to become another unique attraction for our diverse district.”
Popular coffee shop Joe & The Juice is opening a site in Leeds for the first time ever.
And to be honest, we're very very excited about it.
The Danish-based business is famed for its juices, shakes, and sandwiches, including its best-seller, the Tunacado.
With more than 300 juice bars and coffee shops around the world, Joe & The Juice’s pink branding has become a familiar site globally since its launch in 2002.
Images: The Manc Group
It's been open across the pond in Manchester for just over a year now, and we've been waiting with bated breath to see when they'd make the triumphant step to LS1.
And now the time has finally come, as Joe & The Juice will be opening in the old Franco Manca site on Trinity Street.
Franco Manca closed earlier this years after seven years in the cit centre, and many were sad to see it go.
We don't have an exact opening date just yet, but the iconic pink vinyls are up and the TikTok girlies are already getting very excited about the concept of finally trying a Tunacado.
For anyone who hasn't had the pleasure, the sandwich combines tuna mousse, avocado and pesto, served on Joe & The Juice's signature toasted bread.
It's become something of a social media sensation, so it must be good...right?
The brand has built a huge following thanks to its colourful drinks, pared-back interiors and distinctly recognisable pink branding, serving up everything from your morning matcha and coffee to a healthy juice or grab-and-go lunch.
And now Leeds is officially getting in on the action, and we absolutely can't wait.
We'll of course keep you updated with the opening date of Joe & The Juice Leeds as and when we know more.
Leeds station to undergo £303m transformation in biggest upgrade for a generation
Clementine Hall
Leeds train station set for biggest transformation in a generation as Government backs growth.
If you thought the work was over for Leeds station, think again.
Because passengers are set to see major improvements as the Government injects a further £200 million into the development of the transport hub.
The additional funding was announced at the Budget today, with upgrades set to be delivered by 2030 and will include the construction of a new central overbridge, three new entrances, more space on the concourses and a longer Platform 14.
Image: Supplied
It means passengers will benefit from more direct routes, less crowding, and nearly 40% more ticket barriers.
Three new entrances will strengthen links between the station and town, improving access to the South Bank, the Dark Arches and Princes Square.
Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, said: "Leeds station is the gateway to West Yorkshire, and this extra £200 million investment will turn it into a station this city can be proud of: modern, welcoming and built for the people who rely on it every single day.
"The great cities of the north deserve better transport, and that’s exactly what we’re delivering. We're paving the way for Northern Powerhouse Rail, forging stronger connections across the region, and backing the infrastructure that creates jobs, builds homes and puts passengers first as we work to set up Great British Railways."
Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said: "Leeds Station is the beating heart of our region's transport network, connecting millions of people to jobs, education and opportunity every year – and it’s only going to get busier.
“This investment will benefit passengers and businesses, help to unlock the capacity we need for future growth and create a gateway to West Yorkshire that reflects our ambition.
“Together with our wider plans for West Yorkshire’s Weaver Network, we're building a better-connected region which works for all.”
Georgina Pellant -
10th June 2022 
