A tiny Leeds suburb ranked 'coolest in the UK' looks set for some big changes as council bosses begin to take opinions from local residents, businesses and others regarding plans to regenerate the area.
Described by Conde Nast Traveller as an "under-the-radar zone with art at its core," the under-the-radar suburb was listed by the renowned magazine in a list of the coolest neighbourhoods in the UK last year.
It was listed alongside areas such as Ancoats in Manchester, Aigburth in Liverpool and Sharrow Vale in Sheffield - with the magazine noting that the area is "defined by its try-anything attitude" and "interesting mix of people".
Now, it appears the tiny Leeds suburb is set for some big changes as Leeds Council starts surveying residents, local businesses and landowners in preparation for the creation of a new regeneration framework for the area that will be used going forward.
“The growth we see – not just in Mabgate but across the entire city – has to be inclusive and compassionate, delivering enhanced access to jobs, training and education for all local people," said Councillor Helen Hayden, Leeds City Council’s executive member for infrastructure and climate.
“As we look ahead to a bright future for the area, we want to gather as many thoughts and ideas as possible to ensure Mabgate is a place where people get the opportunities and support they need to make the most of their talents, skills and potential.”
The idea behind the new framework is to make sure that growth is inclusive, can better connect people to jobs and training, and that in general, it is a people-first regeneration strategy.
The new framework will also support the East Street Arts-led neighbourhood plan for Mabgate, Lincoln Green and Burmantofts, which has been in the pipeline since 2017.
To set out the community's vision for the area, the neighbourhood plan will work alongside the Mabgate framework.
“Mabgate is a vibrant, fascinating community with a can-do spirit that embodies some of the finest qualities of the city of Leeds as a whole," said Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s executive member for economy, culture and education.
"As the city centre grows, we want to make sure the area’s independent arts scene continues to thrive for many, many years to come. That is why we are in the process of planning this new regeneration framework, which will play a vital role in shaping a Mabgate that showcases the very best of our creative industries.”
The family of the young man who was killed in tragic tiger attack at Yorkshire Wildlife Park have now paid tribute to him.
The man has been named as William Chapman.
Emergency services rushed to the park near Doncaster at around 1.30pm on Saturday 10 October, after reports of a man climbing into the tiger enclosure.
Tragically, the man involved in the tiger attack lost his life.
Today, Wednesday 14 October, Chapman's family have paid a touching tribute to the 'warm and engaging young man' via police.
It reads: "William was a bright, warm and engaging young man whom his family dearly loved - and William loved them back.
"Sadly, William suffered from significant mental illness over a number of years and was consequently prescribed strong medication.
"It will be for the coroner to decide what part this played in his death. We would ask everybody to respect that process."
The tribute continues: "The family are utterly devastated by their loss and are struggling to come to terms with what has happened. The publication and circulation of deeply offensive media content is causing them severe distress at an exceptionally vulnerable time. We ask people to stop doing this.
"The family are hopeful that the relevant authorities will do their utmost to get to the bottom of why our amazing son did what he did.
"In the meantime, please do not approach the family, their addresses, or scrape any further social media from William’s or his family’s accounts.”
Yorkshire Wildlife Park shared on Sunday 11 October that Altai, the male tiger in question, is 'safe and well' and will not be euthanised as a result of the incident.
In a statement, they said: "We would like to thank everyone who has expressed their concern following yesterday's tragic incident.
"Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies remain with the family and loved ones of the man who sadly lost his life.
"The park will be closed today while the staff team who were deeply affected by events receive specialist support.
"Many, many people have contacted us about Altai, the tiger. We can reassure everyone that he is safe and well and will not be euthanised as a result of this incident."
Sheffield is getting its very own National Beer Museum
Clementine Hall
Plans have been announced for a new museum dedicated to Sheffield's brewing and pub history.
Now we all love a good pint, especially here in Sheffield, so what if we told you that soon there'll be an entire museum dedicated to the sweet nectar?
The museum will be dedicated to the city's long brewing history but ahead of its opening, Sheffield Beer Museum CIC is launching a public consultation.
They're asking the city's drinkers, brewers, publicans and residents what the museum should be, which stories it should tell, and where it belongs.
In case you didn't know, Sheffield has one of the richest beer heritages in the country, from the Victorian brewing boom through the real ale revival to today's independent scene.
Image: The Sheff
So it's safe to say that we deserve a home for its story.
"There is more to beer than drinking, and Sheffield's thriving independent scene is a proud example of that," said George Brown, director of Sheffield Beer Museum.
"It's why we're asking the city first. Before we decide anything, we want to hear what people here want to see."
The consultation period will run to the end of the year, and it's all kicking off at this year's Steel City Beer & Cider Festival.
The team will be at the Steel City Beer & Cider Festival at Kelham Island Museum from Wednesday 21 to Saturday 24 October 2026, where visitors can meet the team, have their say and find out more.
Georgina Pellant -
11th August 2021 
