Holbeck secures game-changing investment for the area

We are delighted to confirm that Leeds City Council’s exciting plans for the regeneration of Holbeck have been allocated £15.9 million, as part of the latest round of investment from the government’s Levelling Up Fund.

Holbeck Together were a lead partner in the shaping of the original funding application and will now be working closely with the Council to successfully deliver the ‘Heart of Holbeck’ project for the area.

Transformation of Holbeck

Some of the investment will be allocated to support improvements to St Matthew’s Community Centre where we currently deliver our community services, alongside potential redevelopment of the Old Box Office building which currently serves as an office space for the Holbeck Together team. The expansion of the Old Box Office in partnership with current owner, Leeds Building Society is set to enable a wide range of new services to be offered, including a gym, cafe, social supermarket, and space for local microbusinesses.

Alongside transformation of the local community centre the ‘Heart of Holbeck’ plans will deliver transformative change through the renewal of the local high street and the main community park, Holbeck Moor and the delivery of improvements to traditional terraced homes.

Leeds City Council and Holbeck Together will now work with government on a validation process to confirm the funding award.

Our Chief Officer Elissa Newman, highlighted:

“We’ve been a part of the community for 30 years and this is a game changer for the future of Holbeck and a real testament to great partnership work between the council and Third Sector.

We are proud to be a community anchor – responding to and supporting the changing needs and situations that our community experience. We were so disappointed when our original funding bid was not approved earlier this year, but we have continued to develop our project with business parties across the city and this announcement comes at the perfect time to allow us to plan for further growth in our offer to the community and to improve vital local facilities.”

Councillor Helen Hayden, Executive Member for Sustainable Development & Infrastructure, said:

“This is fantastic news, which will allow the council to work closely with the local community to deliver transformative change across Holbeck, regenerating the neighbourhood, delivering 21st century infrastructure and supporting the delivery of services that are really needed there.

“There is still work to be done before we can put spades in the ground, but we are committed to working with the government and Holbeck Together to successfully deliver the Heart of Holbeck project.”