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Plans for Leeds to house the ‘largest new city-centre green park in the country’ to be considered
"Leeds city centre has a real lack of green space, as a city we have a lot of it, but as a centre we have too little of it so that is a real positive."
The new proposals come alongside the next phases of development for Aire Park in Leeds city centre.
Aire park is a major redevelopment by Vastint UK that looks to completely transform the former Tetley Brewery site into a mixed neighbourhood consisting of homes, offices, retail, leisure and public outdoor spaces.
At the centre of the plans is an ambition to create "largest new city-centre green park in the country".
The first part of this green space, known as Tetley Green, opened this year and is connected to the Aire Park area by the new Theatre Garden which features raised flower beds and seating.
Image: Vastint UK
Completing Aire Park and achieving the latest plans would involve the demolition of some already existing buildings, according to the planning documents.
However if approved, the proposals would see Aire Park fully completed in 2032.
According to the Leeds Civic Trust, changes already made to the area have been "significant".
Martin Hamilton, Leeds Civic Trust's director said: "Bringing back a positive use to this area and creating a huge new city centre park is a big gain.
Image: Vastint UK
"Leeds city centre has a real lack of green space, as a city we have a lot of it, but as a centre we have too little of it so that is a real positive.
"There is a slight disappointment it wasn't possible to retain a gallery use on site though, this is a huge commercial site and having one pocket as an independent not-for-profit function seems to the Leeds Civic Trust like it could have been a better way of doing things.
"All I would say is 'the devil is in the detail' and what we really want to see is high quality architecture."
Leeds City Council's panel will view a pre-application presentation on the next phase of developments this Thursday.
The final go-ahead is expected to be given for work to start on a major new £15million sports hub in Holbeck.
Senior councillors are expected to give the approval next Wednesday 11 March at an executive board meeting.
An agreement will be made on a contractor to complete the work which will bring state-of-the-art sports pitches and a community space to the city.
Holbeck Sports Hub will provide three full-size artificial grass football pitches, two multi-use games areas and a building with changing rooms and a café.
Image: Supplied
Work is expected to begin in August 2026 and is set to be built at the site of the former Matthew Murray High School.
The plan is to also provide a home to a new GP surgery as well as a children’s play area and walking and running routes through the green space which sits off Brown Lane East and Ingram Road.
Image: Supplied
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture, said: “We look forward to the work starting on the Holbeck Sports Hub, which will be a significant asset to the local community and residents in south Leeds.
“It will provide affordable and accessible quality sports pitches, providing more opportunities for physical activity and play and spaces to meet up and connect.
“We are also working towards an agreement with a GP practice so that the area can benefit from new high-quality healthcare provision to meet the needs of the community.”
The programme is joint funded by the Football Foundation and Leeds City Council capital funding.
New grassroots music space aiming to make DJing and music more accessible opening in Headingley this month
Clementine Hall
A new grassroots music space is opening in Headingley with a mission to make DJing, vinyl and music culture more accessible.
Meanhood Studios, founded by long-time LS6 residents Jim and Katie Young, will combine a professional DJ rehearsal studio, record shop, performance space and tuition hub all under one roof.
Their aim is simple, "to level the playing field in a scene that has often felt exclusive and gatekept.”
Meanhood started as a guerrilla pop-up record shop in lockdown when Jim started selling records from his personal collection.
Built solely on quality and word-of-mouth reputation, the venture quickly grew into a respected local record spot known for its carefully curated vinyl selection.
Images: Supplied
Jim’s roots trace back to Manchester’s late-90s free party scene, he began DJing at 17 and from Hyde Park house parties to residencies at legendary clubs, he went on to host nights featuring artists who would later become major names in UK dance music.
Katie grew up in rural Cumbria, discovering music through pirate radio, library tapes and out-of-town raves. After moving to Leeds for university, she built a 20-year corporate career while supporting events, fly-posting for club nights and working behind the scenes.
“DJing is so much more than pushing buttons,” says Jim. “You’ve got to love it when no one’s watching. We want to share that knowledge and remove some of the barriers we experienced.”
Meanhood Studios will open on Friday 13 March and will offer access to equipment, rehearsal space, vinyl records and tuition for aspiring DJs and music lovers.
It's more important now than ever to support grassroots music venues, and we can't wait to check out this new space.
Clementine Hall -
15th April 2024 
