A new group is planning to set up an independent social centre as a permanent space to house community projects currently priced out of the market in Leeds.
Their plan is to form a cooperative and buy a city centre building that will provide free or cheap meeting, workshop and creative spaces, a venue for socialising and fundraisers, a cheap community cafe and some office space for local groups.
The group - which as yet doesn't have a name - claims that the heart of Leeds should be 'more than just a shopping centre' and wants to encourage groups, organisations and artists who are working for social change to come together in the heart of the city.
And members of the public can have their say on the ambitious proposals at a public meeting in November. No venue has been decided upon yet.
Groups for social change
One of the activists, Jesse Harris, said the idea was similar to Bradford's One in 12 social centre and The Cowley Club in Brighton. Harris says he wants to get local artists and groups for social change like Leeds Friends of the Earth involved and has three office tenants lined up already. He added:
"We're a group of activists who want to do something for Leeds, and reclaim a piece of the city centre. The idea is that ordinary people can take the initiative and create community assets. We don't always have to rely on council or governemnt to do things for us.
"We've not been going long, but we've already raised more than £1,000. Once we've got to the £10,000 mark we'll apply for a mortgage as a cooperative."
Regarding the building's potential, community activist Sally Meaden, 31, said:
"Having a permanent space with a variety of uses will hopefully show that alternatives do exist. And it's really exciting to have a space for the city's groups to interact under one roof. For those working for social change in Leeds, it can often feel like we're on our own, but in fact we're everywhere!"
To afford the space, the group is taking out a mortgage which will be paid for by office rent and events. The group is currently fundraising for part of the deposit, but will also rely on loans from individuals.
Fellow activist and school teacher Joe Matthews, 28, said the city centre had lenty of empty buildings the group could use and that were suitable for their needs. He added:
"After the recession burst the construction bubble, the city centre is full of stalled developments. As we've seen with the Art in Unusual Spaces project, developers are begging to have their space filled. However, the council's still following a model that's prioritising businesses over normal people.
"We're starting this project because we think Leeds should be more than just an extended shopping centre."
The next open meeting is on the 7 November, 3-6pm at the Common Place in Wharf Street. For more information and to help with fundraising, contact yayforhons@msn.com.
What do you think of the plans? Does Leeds city centre need a social centre? Have your say in the comments section below.
