£2.5m investment announced for East Leeds

Leeds Mencap will be following through with a £2.5m project in the East End Park area of Leeds.

The major investment will convert the former site of Mount St Mary’s Primary School on Raincliffe Road, which is currently a disused plot of land, into an inclusive new centre, creating space for people with learning disabilities from the whole of Leeds, for local community groups and a new nursery.

To meet the necessary needs, this new centre is expected to benefit more than 2,000 Leeds residents every year.

This announcement comes as part of Leeds Mencap’s Space for me campaign, which began in June to raise the final funds needed. Now the organisation is launching a Buy a Brick scheme to source the remaining £500k needed for this project.

In addition, Hyde Park Source will be consulting with the public about the landscaping around the centre.

Bernie Gahan, project manager at Leeds Mencap, said: “This area hasn’t been exposed to high levels of investment or regeneration in recent times, so we’re delighted to confirm that we’re going ahead with this transformational project. The building will offer new opportunities both to local residents and people across the City and will be of great benefit.”

The new centre will be built by Integra Buildings Ltd, which specializes in modular buildings that are manufactured at its East Yorkshire base. The work on the site is scheduled to begin at the start of October.

Gary Parker, managing director at Integra Buildings, added: “We are delighted to have been successful in the Tender selection process by Leeds Mencap. Our bid was found to be successful due to affordability, product specification and our award winning project management service. It has and continues to be an honour working with Leeds Mencap and supported services on this project”.