15 July 2014
Derelict land that blighted key areas of inner city Leeds have been transformed into a green corridor as part of an ambitious regeneration scheme.
Holbeck Urban Village and Holbeck are close to Leeds city centre and have strong ties to the city
Now, through a council project, neglected sites have been transformed into areas with wildflower meadows, fruit trees and landscaping to create a green corridor connecting Beeston and Holbeck to the city centre.
The Holbeck Green Corridor Project has attracted national attention and is to be featured in a new BBC programme on the importance of flowers to the environment and bio-diversity.
Many groups including Holbeck in Bloom, Holbeck Elderly Aid, the Cupboard Youth Project and Ingram Road Primary School have all been involved in the development of the project.
Further improvements to the area are being proposed and will be consulted on over the coming months.
The green corridor project is one piece of the jigsaw in the work to regenerate Beeston, Holbeck and Hunslet. Beeston Hill now has a new community enterprise centre and an innovative low carbon housing development is on the way.
Coun Richard Lewis, the council's executive member for city development, said: "This is a hugely successful project and we are delighted that it is now attracting national interest. It provides precious green space for children and residents to enjoy and is a wonderful way to encourage greater bio-diversity in our urban areas."
