A completely derelict Victorian villa in Harehills has been turned into new homes for Leeds homeless, thanks to charity Latch (Leeds Action to Create Houses).
A £375,000 investment has seen the creation of four new, modern flats inside the sprawling, dilapidated house, now comprised of three one-beds and one two-bed flat.
These will now become homes for some of the city's most vulnerable residents, who will be supported by the charity to turn their lives around as they take steps towards more independent living.
Made possible thanks to support from Leeds City Council, Power to Change, and the Clothworkers Foundation. the renovation took around a year to complete.
A complete wreck at the start of the project, the team had to completely remodel and transform the house.
There was no heating or hot water, the roof was leaking and the windows were broken - but it has now been rewired, re-painted, plastered, theremall insulated and sound proofed by the Latch team.
"All the windows and doors have been replaced and new kitchens and bathrooms have been installed," explains James Hartley, CEO of Latch.
"The property has also been fully furnished to provide the new tenants with everything they need to make a fresh new start."
The charity is now busy assessing applications for the new homes.
There is an enormous demand for properties in Leeds from those who are homeless or in urgent housing need, with over 5,500 people currently homeless or living in poor quality housing.
It is estimated that there is a further 3,500 derelict, privately-owned and empty properties in the city ripe for projects like this.
Projects such as this play a vital role in tackling growing homelessness in the city.
Latch hopes to raise a further £350,000 this summer towards the costs of purchasing another six properties over the coming months and years, with funding also being sought from other grants and businesses.
Leeds
Innovative Leeds music venue TESTBED announces launch party lineup
Ever-evolving Leeds music hotspot TESTBED is making its grand return to Leeds city centre with an impressive launch party lineup.
Recognised as a cultural venue for bringing people together via music, TESTBED has hosted a variety of club nights in its warehouse location since 2024.
Back in April, it was announced that the team behind this rave-centric club were transforming this space from it's 'Phase 1.3' to 'Phase 2.0'.
Now, TESTBED has released the full lineup for its upcoming launch party which will show off some of the venue's latest features like its 360-degree DJ booth, improved acoustics and 5,000 sq ft mezzanine and balcony area.
Annie Mac is headlining the TESTBED Leeds launch party joined by Horse Meat Disco / Credit: Press Shots (via supplied)
Previous performers include Liverpool dance music duo Camelphat, house music DJ Alisha, Netherlands-own Chris Stussy and more, so it will come as no surprise that this relaunch features an equally-stellar lineup.
Fronting the bill for the TESTBED Launch Party is none other than EDM connoisseur and influential figure Annie Mac, who's hosted a variety of radio shows across the BBC as well as curating a set or two herself.
Also in attendance is Horse Meat Disco, a group who put disco and queer culture at the forefront of each and every high-energy set.
Irish selector Shee is also showing off his music expertise and already having collaborations with the likes of A-trak and Karma Kid, expect to hear some tunes.
Shee and Junior Simba will be taking to the decks to wow the crowds over at TESTBED Leeds / Credit: Press Shots (via supplied)
Seasoned club DJ and presenter Marcia Carr, known for playing live sets with vinyl records, will also be soundtracking the night too, playing out everything from Afrohouse to dubstep.
Of course, it wouldn't be a Leeds-based party without some local talent courtesy of Junior Simba who's quickly become a key player in the house music scene.
And if that wasn't enough raving for you, TESTBED has already announced even more insane nights of music madness featuring ROSSI., Interplanetary Criminal and Obskür.
TESTBED's opening party is taking place on Saturday 3 October from 2pm til 12am and you can grab tickets from as little as £20 HERE.
Leeds Santa Dash is returning for 2026 and it’s set to be ‘bigger and better’ than ever
Emily Sergeant
Leeds' famous Santa Dash is returning for 2026, and it's set to be 'bigger and better' than ever.
Back by popular demand with the festive season around the corner, The Trinity Leeds Santa Dash has confirmed its return for 2026 this December, with thousands of Santas set to hit the streets of the city centre with festive fun, Christmas cheer, and an unforgettable atmosphere.
No matter whether you're taking part with your family, friends, colleagues, or little ones, organisers say it's the 'perfect way' to kick-start your festive season.
This iconic event welcomes everyone to take part - you can either jog, walk, or wheel your way around the 5K route, soaking up the sights and sounds of the city as you celebrate the most wonderful time of the year, and prams are also welcome too, making it a fantastic festive day out for all ages and abilities.
And this year, it's set to be bigger and better than ever, as there's an exciting new city centre route.
All Santa suits are provided (except for those under three) with your race entry, and you'll also get an exclusive Trinity Leeds Santa Dash finisher medal once you make it over the line, as well as a festive chocolate treat to nibble on.
So, gather your fellow Santas, embrace the Christmas magic, and get ready to join one of Leeds' most joyful festive traditions.
The Trinity Leeds Santa Dash returns for 2026 on Sunday 6 December, and you can find out more and enter to take part in the race online here.
Georgina Pellant -
24th May 2021 
