I was at a Leeds Civic Trust Lunch today, where I heard more about plans from the Leeds Sustainable Development Group for a City Centre – South School. We’ve hosted conversations via Twitter where the development of Leeds is perceived to be stalled by lack of a city centre school. We also recently hosted a question on here by James Blythman about how we define Leeds City Centre. Most of us probably don’t give much thought to masterplan and best city strategy yet there’s much discussion currently about how Leeds grows over the next 20-30 years. Does the opportunity to create a new school act as a catalyst for developing the area south of the river sooner rather than later?
Here’s the excerpt from the LSDG’s website and a link to for you to comment on the scheme
Leeds Sustainable Development Group in partnership with the GORSE Academies Trust which oversees the Morley and Farnley Academies in Leeds are working together on plans for the regeneration of part of Leeds City Centre South. Our proposal for opening one of the largest Free Schools in the country in the centre of Leeds will be a catalyst for the transformation of this area.
The southern part of Leeds City Centre between the River Aire and the motorways has tremendous development potential. There are some 210 acres (85 hectares) of vacant or under-utilised sites and premises which could accommodate some 8-10,000 new residential units on brownfield land.
Significant investment in social infrastructure such as schools, health centres and community facilities is vital to the creation of a long term sustainable urban community in this area. There is already a shortage of school places in Leeds and by providing a new, centrally located, outstanding school, our aim is to kick start development which will entice families to move back to this highly accessible area and encourage young families and city dwellers in their twenties and thirties to remain within the urban core.
An application is to be submitted to the Department for Education in December which, if approved, will provide the opportunity for the school to deliver educational excellence to both primary and secondary students up to the age of 19.
We appreciate the contribution this project will make to the learning community and are really excited at the prospect of working with Leeds City Council and other providers to deliver an excellent new facility at the heart of our city centre. For far too many years not all families have enjoyed the opportunity to access truly outstanding education. Equally importantly we also see this as one of the most important actions required to revitalise the south of our city centre with new family housing that will deliver a significant step change in the level of social mobility in a generation. The new academy will also provide greater access to opportunity in an area in need of regeneration. Supporting the growth of skills for residents is the key to the long term success of the Leeds economy and to tackling the barriers to opportunity associated with deprivation. ”
Though details have yet to be fully confirmed, the school will cater for around 1,500 students. It will have a Post-16 centre of excellence in mathematics and applied mathematics and will cater for children of all abilities including those with physical and learning disabilities.
The school will deliver not only more school places but more ‘excellent’ education based on the key themes of improving aspiration and achievement. In addition, the school will be a catalyst for significant regeneration.
The southern part of Leeds City Centre is an excellent location for the school. It is currently under-developed, with high levels of vacancy and deprivation offering great potential in the short, medium and long term. It is close to the existing prime city centre shops and amenities and has good links to the wider South Leeds area. A number of developments are already taking place to stimulate the revitalisation of this area, including the Leeds City College at the Print Works, new housing in Hunslet, the proposal for an international data-handling centre, the re-launch of New Dock and the NGT trolleybus. A successful, high-achieving school is a fundamental part of the social infrastructure of a 21st century city.
The LSDG is delighted to be working in partnership with The GORSE Academies Trust. What has been achieved at both the Morley and Farnley Academies is remarkable and we know that in John Townsley and his team we have a guarantee of excellence.
We currently have a unique opportunity with the Free School movement to make a significant difference to the next generation of children in Leeds. We would urge everyone, not just parents, to register their support and comments on our interactive forum
There will be two open meetings for members of the public to find out more about the school. The first meeting will take place at The Farnley Academy on the evening of Thursday 22 November, commencing at 7.00 pm. A second will taplace at the Royal Armouries on Thursday 29 November, again commencing at 7.00 pm.”
The GORSE Academies Trust is a charitable company which currently oversees The Morley and Farnley Academies in Leeds. The Trust is an approved sponsor and The Morley Academy is a Teaching School. Its vision is centred on ensuring that all young people, regardless of background, enjoy access to an outstanding education.
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