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The Headingley Development Trust – an organisation of over 800 people – has been given the go-ahead by the city council's Executive Board to take over a former primary school and convert it into an enterprise, arts and community centre.

The trust has raised over £1m to transform the former Headingley Primary School, Bennett Road, into the centre to be called HEART.
Supporters of the scheme raised £100,000 through a share issue, they attracted a further £500,000 in grants and have secured a £500,000 council loan.

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The new centre will include start-up business units, meeting rooms and a performance space.

Richard Norton, trust chairman, said: "We are grateful to the council for this opportunity. We are determined that this facility will change the nature of life in Headingley by being a meeting point for all its residents, and the beginning of a more sustainable and stable community. We look forward to welcoming recent graduates and long-term
residents alike into the HEART of their community."

The council's support for the scheme has been welcomed by local councillors.

Coun Martin Hamilton (Lib Dem, Headingley) said: "As councillors we have all worked long and hard with the Headingley Development Trust and local residents to get the go-ahead for this scheme. We are all obviously delighted with the outcome."

Councillor James Monaghan (Lib Dem, Headingley) said: "I welcome the Executive Board's decision especially in the current economic climate. It is a vote of confidence for the Headingley Development Trust and the hard work and dedication they have put into making this happen."
Coun Jamie Matthews (Lib Dem, Headingley) said: "I believe this will certainly add to the long-term viability of the Headingley. The scheme will encourage families and graduates to continue living in the area."

* People wishing to get involved in the project should go to www.headingleydevelopmenttrust.org.uk or contact development worker Kim Johnston at kim@headingleydevelopmenttrust.org.uk or call 0791 206 8300).