Bramley Baths has extended its community share offer after raising £120,000.
Built to improve public health and wellbeing in response to the outbreak of cholera, Bramley Baths was one of eight public bath houses in Leeds.
Local residents came to wash, swim and use the Russian Steam Baths which was a fashionable habit with the wealthier Edwardians.
The baths have remained a constant in Leeds life, and following restoration in the late 80s, was reopened in the early 90s.
Last year the baths celebrated its tenth anniversary of being a community-led enterprise and a Blue Plaque from Leeds Civic Trust was awarded in recognition of its significance in Leeds’s wider heritage.
But earlier this year, a series of vital repairs were uncovered including a full replacement of the bath's roof.
Last month a campaign was launched to raise £350,000 for repairs and in the six weeks since an impressive £120,000 has been raised.
As part of it, a Community Share Offer was launched which allows people who donate to purchase a part of the historic site from as little as £50.
Sharing the news on Instagram, they said: "Thanks to the amazing support of our community and organisations we have raised over £122,515 with 188 people investing, however, for us to unlock more match funding, we still need help to ensure the roof is repaired and we can implement cost saving measures for us to make long term savings on energy bills.
"To get involved you can invest from as little as £50. You can support either through our Crowdfunder page (you can find the link in our bio) or at reception, where you can also pick up a full brochure.
"You can even buy shares as a gift for Christmas (for those people that have everything!) or in memory of someone special.
"With your help, we will be able to continue providing our services for years to come and ensure that future generations of local children have the chance to learn to swim."
Leeds is set to become a giant board game this summer as Trivial Pursiot arrives in the city centre to celebrate a landmark moment in its history.
To mark 400 years since Leeds was granted its royal charter, LeedsBID (Leeds Business Improvement District) is transforming the city into a live interactive version of Hasbro’s iconic Trivial Pursuit board game, inviting residents and visitors to test their knowledge of all things Leeds.
It follows the huge success of the MONOPOLY Leeds Takeover back in summer 2024 and this year, LeedsBID is once again working with leading game, IP and toy company Hasbro to bring another of its iconic games to life.
This time, the focus is on the stories, achievements and surprising facts that have shaped Leeds over four centuries.
Running from 25 July to 30 August 2026, the free experience will see participants journey across the city centre answering questions and collecting wedges, just like the classic trivia game.
Key locations will represent the six traditional Trivial Pursuit categories: Entertainment, Geography, Sports & Leisure, Science and Nature, History, and Art & Literature.
Matt Proulx, Senior Vice President of Global Experiences, Partnerships and Music at Hasbro said: “After the incredible response to the MONOPOLY Leeds Takeover in 2024, we’re proud to collaborate with LeedsBID once again to reimagine another iconic brand in a bold new way.
"This is exactly how we think about Global Experiences at Hasbro - taking our brands beyond the table and creating experiences that are social, shareable and deeply connected to the communities they celebrate."
Andrew Cooper, Chief Executive of LeedsBID, said: “TRIVIAL PURSUIT Leeds is about celebrating everything about this great city, from those headline facts and figures people know to the lesser-known surprising details and discoveries.
“LeedsBID’s raison d’etre is to put Leeds on the map and tell the stories and successes of the city. Trivial Pursuit Leeds is doing just that, providing a free, fun and entertaining activity for all ages while sharing new and interesting achievements of this amazing place.”
Iconic Leeds venue The Reliance to be brought back to life under new name ‘The Smithfield’
Clementine Hall
The Reliance, a much missed North Street site, is being brought back to life as The Smithfield.
The Smithfield is set to be a new social eatery and pub focused on seasonal, produce-led dining.
Set to open its doors to the people of Leeds in early April, The Smithfield will pay homage to the local area through both its produce and people.
The venue will focus on proper plates of seasonal ingredients, pairing a relaxed dining style with a strong sense of community. Sounds pretty brilliant if you ask us.
Building on the legacy of North Street, The Smithfield is a collaborative project between Yorkshire brewery Crooked Brewing and chef James Donovan.
Images: Supplied
Steve Dawson, co-founder of Crooked Brewing, has long admired The Reliance and want to build on its established legacy.
“What The Reliance was doing was cutting edge for its time,” says Donovan. “We want to bring that same vision and energy into Leeds in 2026. Our aim is to pick up the culinary torch that The Reliance left behind and continue its legacy of great food in Leeds,” adds Dawson.
The Smithfield takes its name from Church Street’s historic connection to the Smithfield cattle market of the early 1800s, once located on what is now Lovell Park.
“We really want the people around us to feel that The Smithfield is their space,” says Dawson. “We want to give them a place at our table.”
We'll keep you updated with an opening date as and when we know, but we're very excited indeed.
Clementine Hall -
12th December 2024 
