A bird's-eye view of Leeds, Sheffield, and Yorkshire
X
Leeds
Leeds City Council set to demolish six high-rise tower blocks in Seacroft, Armley and Moortown
Affecting Bailey Towers, Brookland Towers and Ramshead Heights in Seacroft, as well as Leafield Towers in Moortown; Raynville Court and Raynville Grange in Armley.
Six blocks across Seacroft, Armley and Moortown are set to be approved for demolition this week.
The six tower blocks were built in the 1960s and have now exceeded their original design life.
The blocks are reported to "remain safe at present" but the council is choosing to take action "in light of financial pressures and the significant cost of delivering remedial work".
The news is not thought to be a surprise to local residents, with consultation processes already taken place in Bailey Towers, Brookland Towers and Ramshead Heights in Seacroft, as well as Leafield Towers in Moortown; Raynville Court and Raynville Grange in Armley.
The development of the sites and any further use will be subject to review in the future, but it is hoped that "good quality affordable housing" will be plotted on the sites post-demolition.
The council has stated that all blocks "will be fully supported through the rehousing process", and the LCC executive board is set to agree to prioritise their housing applications so that residents can find "suitable long-term housing".
Tenants that have lived in their homes for over 12 months will also qualify for compensation.
The formal council discussion is set to take place this Wednesday 18 October 2023, where it is expected that the plans to rehouse residents and demolish the buildings will be approved.
Bailey Towers, Seacroft. / Image: Leeds City Council, Supplied
Councillor Jess Lennox, Leeds City Council’s executive member for housing said, “The demolition of the tower blocks is an important step towards future proofing the council’s housing stock, ensuring that we meet our commitment to delivering good quality and affordable homes for residents.
“However, we understand the impact that this will have on our residents across the sites, and I would like to extend my thanks for their constructive engagement with the council so far.
“We’ve undertaken extensive and proactive consultation with all of our impacted residents and will continue to do so as we are absolutely committed to ensuring any disruption is minimal. We will continue to ensure that all residents are supported through the rehousing process, to see that they are successfully rehoused into homes that suit them for the long term.”
Get ready to enjoy a taste of the Caribbean as Jerk Junction is gearing up to open in Leeds.
The street food favourite has made waves in the foodie scene over in Manchester and Liverpool, so it's only right that its making its way into Trinity Kitchen.
Jerk Junction specialises in authentic Caribbean flavours, from dumplings and jerk chicken to curried goat and rice and peas, it's all flame-grilled and packed with island spices.
It is expected to open this spring.
Image: The Manc Group
Steven Foster, Centre Director at Trinity Leeds, said: “We’re so excited to be welcoming Jerk Junction to Trinity Kitchen and we’re sure it will prove very popular. Bringing an authentic Caribbean flavour to Leeds, it’s the perfect new addition and complements our already stellar line-up of street food vendors.”
Jake Shaffi, founder at Jerk Junction, said: “Jerk Junction is all about real Caribbean food and culture. Everything we do is rooted in Jamaican tradition, from bold spices and authentic cooking to dishes that bring people together.
“For us, food is family. From our kitchen to every person who comes to our counter, we want people to feel the warmth, the energy and the spirit of the islands. We can’t wait to bring those authentic flavours and good vibes to Trinity Kitchen.”
The announcement follows news that the UK’s largest independent boutique bowling brand Lane7, and footwear retailers schuh and Footasylum, would be opening at Trinity Leeds later this year, whilst the LEGO Store will be relocating to a larger space within the shopping centre.
Posting to their social media, The Maven said: "When news broke The Maven could close its doors at the end of March, the reaction across the city was immediate. The response from customers, bartenders, and hospitality operators showed just how much this bar means to Leeds.
"For nearly 15 years, The Maven has been one of the city’s most loved cocktail destinations and a true institution within the local bar scene.
"When we told you about its potential closure we were flooded with support and interest from across the hospitality community. In the days that followed, several Leeds-based operators stepped forward with genuine offers to buy the venue and keep the bar alive.
"At a time when our industry is too often filled with stories of closures, today brings a little hope - a story about a community stepping up to protect something it values.
"The reports that The Maven would close at the end of March are now firmly in the past: The Maven Lives.
"Thanks to the passion of the Leeds hospitality community and the loyalty of its guests, the bar will continue to be part of the city’s nightlife story. More details about the next chapter for The Maven will be shared soon."
Sophie Smith -
16th October 2023 
