Recently, a group of activists in Leeds have managed to delay the sale of 6 Grosvenor Mount, a disused horticultural laboratory owned by the University of Leeds. The group, now established as Leeds Community Project, aim to reclaim the one acre space containing 7 beautiful Victorian glass-houses and indoor function space, as the potential it holds for urban growing and a community hub is awe-inspiring. Leeds University do not need the £600,000 cheque attached to Grosvenor, nor does Leeds itself require more unaffordable housing developments in place of these prime growing facilities.
Since the occupation, the team has continued to grow and progress has been made in restoring facilities to begin using the space. Last week saw an evening of ‘idea’s worth spreading’ in a Ted Talk style event, and on Sunday, a fabulous family gathering was held with a wide variety of workshops, activities, music and fun. We’ll be throwing the Sunday fun spectacular again this week so do come along if you’re free!
Unfortunately, the fight is not over yet. The University of Leeds are still set on selling the space to the highest bidder, but we cannot back down! If you are part of a community group that would be interested in using the space, please get in touch using the email address below to arrange a visit, share your ideas and help us to forge a show-stopping proposal to keep 6 Grosvenor Mount in community hands.
LCPfacilitation@riseup.net
In addition, please sign and share our petition with your circles; we have reached over 500 signatures in a matter of days which just proves the view that the people of Leeds hold with this matter! Let’s reclaim Grosvenor for Leeds.
https://www.change.org/p/the-university-of-leeds-6-grosvenor-mount-for-the-community
Check out the video below of a workshop on bicycle powered generators from our Sunday gathering last week. Same again for this week so pencil us in! Expect workshops in circus skills, cooking, foraging, art and survival along with music, crafts, decorating, kids games, a book swap and exquisite food freshly cooked in our outdoor kitchen. Oh and did we mention tea? If you can’t make it Sunday, or simply can’t wait that long then drop in any day to lend a hand or simply say hello! 6 Grosevenor Mount, LS6 2PL.