As Holbeck Together’s Chief Officer, I was part of a panel discussion at UKREiiF (UK Real Estate, Investment & Infrastructure Forum) last week. The panel was titled ‘This is Leeds: From Terrace to Town’ and I joined Angela Barnicle, Council Leader James Lewis, Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, Morrie Eisenberg, Peter Lowy, Jamie Andrews and Nat Edwards.
It was a privilege for our charity to be asked to contribute to this important discussion about regeneration in South Leeds.
As a key community anchor working in the area we were there to talk about the ‘Heart of Holbeck’ Levelling Up investment being rolled out across our community over the next few years.
Alongside this three other anchor projects also shared their exciting plans for South Leeds: Leeds United stadium expansion; The British Library North development at Temple Works and Royal Armouries Museum Leeds’ major expansion and transformation of the Titlyard.
A key message shared with attendees at this session was about the power of partnership working.
The examples shared show how local and national collaboration between community, transport, health, sport, culture is driving transformational impacts and vibrancy for communities across Leeds, West Yorkshire and beyond.
And it also gave us a platform to continue to highlight how pivotal our role, as a charity representing the people of Holbeck, is to this transformation.
Heart of Holbeck is about regeneration of the city – but more importantly it’s about regeneration with a heart. It’s not just about investment in structures and buildings but about people who need these upgrades, new spaces and the services being offered within them.
The synergy of our partnership with companies such as Leeds United and Leeds Building Society is powerful. We are seen as strategic partners, not just passive beneficiaries – and in turn projects like ‘Heart of Holbeck’ show how when businesses and communities come together they become powerful and equal changemakers in the communities where they are situated.
More information about the ‘Heart of Holbeck’ can be found here: bit.ly/4jkqhVt
This post was wtriten by Elissa Newman, Cheif Officer of Holbeck Together
Photo: Elissa Newman (with the Championship trophy) at UKREiiF
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