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Leeds city centre set for hundreds of new flats after council agrees sale of ‘prime’ development site

Clementine Hall - 8th May 2026

It looks like even more new flats could be popping up in Leeds city centre.

The land in question is located near Leeds' Aire Park development, next to The Adelphi Pub in a prime location smack bang in the city centre.

It's looking like over 240 flats could be built on the site after the council has agreed to sell the coveted plot of land to a housing developer.

The current land that is surrounded by heritage assets has been sold by Leeds City Council to property developer Glenbrook.

A planning application from Glenbrook proposed mostly 246 one and two bedroom apartments in a whopping 24 storey development.

Around 20% of the homes would be classified as affordable housing, being rented out at 80% of the current private market rate.

The application will be discussed when the council's City Plans Panel meets next Thursday 14 May.

A council planning officer’s report said: “The emerging proposals present a significant opportunity to regenerate a prominent vacant brownfield site within the city centre.

“The development would deliver a substantial number of new homes, alongside the provision of some employment opportunities.”

A council decision report when selling the plot back in 2022 said: “It is surrounded by heritage assets in an area undergoing rapid regeneration and is widely considered to be a prime plot capable of supporting a high quality residential development.”

Well then Leeds, what do you make of these plans then?

Read more from The Hoot Leeds here:

Featured image - The Hoot Leeds

Business

The North Leeds Food Festival returns for 2026 and special anniversary edition

Danny Jones North Leeds Food Fest 2026

North Leeds Food Fest 2026

The much-loved North Leeds Food Festival is back for 2026, and its spring return marks a very special anniversary.

We're getting hungry just thinking about it.

Taking place in less than a fortnight, North Leeds Food Fest marks its 10th birthday early next month, with this year's programme set to be one of the biggest yet.

We're lucky enough to see a lot of wonderful things within Roundhay Park every single year, but this might just be one of our absolute favourites.

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Not to speak for all of you, but we're sure plenty of West Yorkshire would agree.

Held on the expansive Soldiers' Field section of the stunning outdoor space, more than a full decade on from the very first iteration of the festival, punters can expect free-flowing drinks, music rolling across the park, and LOTS of food to be enjoyed.

Both dog and family-friendly, too, it's already shaping up to be one of the best fun-for-all-ages weekends of the entire year.

Writing in a teaser on socials, the organisers said: "We’ve been working away behind the scenes to bring a fresh look and feel for 2026, so you can expect some surprises for our big birthday."

Consider our interest piqued and our tummies already rumbling...

The same spotlights will be shining on native independents serving up some of the region's best street food, and you can expect some top-notch drinks from Leeds locals, too.

It's pretty hard to believe it's been 10 whole years since this first started and how far it's come. Here's a longer look at how the last edition went down:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqSxSj-dQsA&t=2s

Some of the indie enjoyment being teased includes wood-fired pizza, crispy fried chicken, fresh cocktails and a full 'Ale House' pouring from start to finish, as well as "vibrant curries and desserts worth saving space for".

There'll also be artisan markets, a live cookery theatre hosted by Yorkshire chef, consultant and Great British Menu star, Stephanie Moon, lots of live tunes, a whole host of kids' activities, stand-up comedy and tonnes more.

Scheduled for Saturday, 9 May 2026 from 10am and wrapping up on the following (10 May) around 7pm, the doors will be open from 10am on the first day, so you'd better make the most of the celebrations.

You can grab your tickets right HERE.

savvy baker menu — Credit: The Hoot

hash brown town leeds — Credit: The Hoot

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Featured Images — The Manc Group

Business

Claire’s shutting down all standalone shops in UK and Ireland

In another hit to the high streets, Claire's Accessories is shutting up shop across the UK and Ireland after entering into administration yet again.

Falling into an unfortunate financial status for the second time in less than a year, Claire's will be shutting down all of their standalone stores across Britain, along with their IE branches.

A total of 154 stores will soon disappear, with more than a thousand people set to be put out of work.

Once a mainstay up and down the country, the accessory shop known for all things jewellery, piercings and more has ceased trading effective immediately.

In case you haven't heard about the latest hit to the high street. 😢https://t.co/65x9fDNa4c
— The Manc (@TheMancUK) April 28, 2026

Announced at the start of the week and the end of the first full month of Q2, it was confirmed that Claire's closed their final locations on Monday, 27 April.

With administrators, Kroll, appointed to wrap up business proceedings, an estimated 1,300 English, Irish, Scottish and Welsh workers have now lost their jobs.

Founded in America way back in 1961, Claire's has enjoyed a presence across the Atlantic for more than three decades.

However, with various other contemporaries and cheaper online options having appeared over the years, they've struggled not just to remain profitable but to compete full stop.

They filed for bankruptcy in the US in August 2025 after having already concluded operations in Spain, Belgium, and the Netherlands.

Credit: Savills

For many, the outcome isn't all that surprising, but it will nevertheless be a sad loss for many who have seen multiple generations visit these venues over the years.

It is also worth noting, on the other hand, that an estimated 350 concession stands within the likes of Asda supermarkets will remain open - at least for now.

More importantly, it's never good to see people being made redundant, and we send all of our love and support to those impacted by the developments.

Do you have any lasting memories of visits to Claire's here in Yorkshire?

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Featured Images — chrisinplymouth (via Flickr)