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.”
Plans have been lodged to transform the former Henderson's Relish factory.
The University of Sheffield wants to turn the iconic building into an events, retail and office space.
The building that stands on the corner of Hanover Way and Leavygreave Road previously secured planning permission to be turned into a cafe and events space, but the development never went forward.
The new plans would see the ground floor being used for events such as open days and career fairs, whilst the first floor would be used as a marketing office.
The space would also include a shop selling university merchandise.
In documents submitted to the council, the plans said: "The proposals will result in no harm to the significance of the building or the surrounding heritage assets and are considered to be of public and heritage benefit as a result of bringing the building back into active use."
The striking building dates all the way back to the 19th century having previously been used as a factory to produce Henderson's Relish from 1959 until 2013 when the company relocated to Sheffield Parkway.
So it's safe to say that it really is part of Sheffield's history.
Planners on behalf of the university said: "Overall, it is considered that the proposal will preserve and enhance the character of the building and maintain its status as a key prominent building within this part of the Conservation Area."
What do you think of this then? Is this a good use of one of Sheffield city centre's most iconic buildings?
Grade-II listed city centre bar to open East Asian-inspired street food kitchen
Clementine Hall
Howard Assembly Room to launch new bar with permanent kitchen from Yuzu Street Food.
HAR bar, the intimate Grade II-listed space beneath Leeds City Centre's multi-disciplinary venue, the Howard Assembly Room,will now open five days a week with a brand new permanent food partner.
If you're not familiar York’s Yuzu Street Food, then allow us to fill you in.
First established in York following an enlightening culinary trip to Asia in 2019, Yuzu Street Food is now recognised as one of the north’s finest street food vendors.
Image: Supplied
Serving up contemporary takes on bao buns, fried chicken, ramen, katsu curry and much more; Yuzu are set to be the perfect addition to the Howard Assembly Room and its new bar HAR.
First launched in February, a programme of improvements saw the space previously occupied by the restaurant Kino transformed into the HAR bar.
An intimate venue in the cultural heart of the city, HAR bar guests can now enjoy fresh coffee, quality cocktails and a rotation of beers from breweries including Leeds institution Kirkstall Brewery throughout the week.
Image: Supplied Image: The Hoot Leeds
Yuzu Street Food will open at HAR on Friday 15 May.
Michael Wilkinson, Director of Strategy and Commercial, said: “We are very excited to be welcoming Yuzu to HAR bar, with their Asian-inspired street food providing the perfect accompaniment to our range of drinks and firmly establishing HAR bar as one of Leeds’ leading spots to meet and eat.
"We want everyone in the city to feel that this is their space, where great music, a welcoming atmosphere and exceptional service combine to create a truly special place that embodies the city’s creativity while also supporting Opera North’s outreach work across the north.
Chris Hargroves, Yuzu Founder & CEO, said: “We’re delighted to be back in Leeds city centre! Leeds has always shown us incredible support and energy and returning really feels like coming home. We’re excited to reconnect with the community, welcome familiar faces and introduce our new menu items to the new ones. Working with such a prestigious venue as the Howard Assembly Room is something we’re absolutely buzzing about and we can’t wait to fire up the woks!”
Georgina Pellant -
11th August 2021 
