Empty properties that have been left vacant in Leeds are to be brought back into use and transformed into affordable homes as part of a move by Leeds Action to Create Homes (Latch) to provide more accessible housing in the area.
It is a welcome and much-needed move, considering that figures from the beginning of the year showed over 23,000 people to be on the council house waiting list.
Prior to the pandemic, Leeds was already gripped in a housing crisis - but new figures suggest the pandemic has worsened the situation.
It's now estimated that over 3,500 residential properties currently stand empty in the city, whilst even seven hours a family are finding themselves without a home.
Latch CEO James Hartley and team stand outside a newly purchased property in Harehills / Image: Latch
Those that are available are also often unaffordable to people on low incomes.
Derelict abandoned houses in Chapeltown, Harehills, and Burley are set to be transformed into affordable housing for families and those on low incomes as part of a new initiative, which first requires Latch to raise £350,000 to cover the costs of renovations.
These funds will cover the renovation costs of six currently abandoned and derelict properties which will then be made available to those most in need.
And once they have moved in, the charity doesn't just stop there. Rather, they're on hand to support people to get their lives in order with everything from financial advice to mental health support.
Latch also gives people job opportunities, giving those who have been long-term unemployed the chance to learn trade skills in construction by working on renovation projects alongside their team.
Latch tenant Ibrahima Barry stands outside the property in Harehills / Image: Latch
All funds raised from the public will then be matched by their traditional funding model which draws upon grants and loans.
“The Community Share Issue is a way for local communities to give back and make a real difference here in Leeds whilst also benefiting financially themselves," said James Hartley, CEO of Latch.
“This is the first time we will have raised funds like this in our 30 year history but it’s an established model in the social housing and wider charity sector with Leeds Community Homes leading the way here in 2018.
“More properties mean we can change more lives. Six new properties mean we could help six more adults and three more children on top of the 140 people already helped each year.
“Renovated houses also have benefits for the wider Leeds community, with derelict properties tending to be hubs of antisocial activity.
"We’re really proud of the long legacy of positive impact we have on both individual lives and those of the communities in which we work.”
A bookshop in Leeds is inviting its customers to vandalise Harry Potter books for charity.
Well, this is definitely one we haven't seen before.
The Bookish Type on Great George Street in Leeds is a fabulous independently-owned queer bookshop that prides itself on being a safe space for all.
They're raising money for trans healthcare by inviting customers to vandalise Harry Potter novels for just 25p per go.
A bargain if you ask us, and all for a good cause. And don't worry, all the books are second hand and have been donated.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
If you're not understanding the immediate connection between the two, then allow us to fill you in.
J.K. Rowling, the author of the famous Harry Potter novels, has over recent years expressed transphobic comments and anti-trans political beliefs on social media.
Yesterday, Wednesday 25 March, the trailer for the new HBO Max Harry Potter series was released which has encouraged many people to speak out against Rowling and claim she should no longer be supported.
So, The Bookish Type are showing support for the trans community and asking those who feel frustrated to have a doodle and whilst they're at it, donate to a good cause.
If you're not able to make it into the shop, The Bookish Type have said "You will soon be able to donate online and we will personally deface a page with your message/doodle/scribble."
We're absolutely obsessed.
Find out more about The Bookish Type and if you can, pop in for a browse and a doodle whilst you're at it.
Featured image - The Bookish Type Leeds (Supplied)
News
Leeds to be transformed into a giant board game as Trivial Pursuit takes over the city
Clementine Hall
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.”
Georgina Pellant -
20th July 2021 
