Why Harehills?

This is the question that crops up most when talking to people about the Harehills development. Why take the time and resources to create a building with a high-spec finish? Is there the demand to sustain a destination restaurant? Is this a place people will want to go for conferences?  These questions reveal the inbuilt preconceptions people carry with them about the area and addressing them is vital to the success of the project.

The key point is that the Harehills scheme is not simply about the development of a building. It aims to change the opportunities available to those living in the local community, and in the process change their expectations and ambitions. This means that the success of the Harehills project is not just dependent on Harehills CIC, or the architects, or the builders, or the tenants but on the people living in Harehills.

The Harehills project is about regeneration, but with a different emphasis from most traditional programmes. Rather than dictating from the outside how people can improve their lives and neighbourhoods, it gives them opportunities to do that for themselves. Harehills is by most standard measures a deprived area in economic terms but it is also one of the most vibrant and entrepreneurial places in the city of Leeds. Developing the middle school will give some of those people with amazing ideas and skills the chance to realise their dreams. Of course, not all will be successful, but the hope is that many will be and that their successes will inspire others and change perceptions.

Aspiration is a huge part of the project and that is why we are determined to ensure that everything is done to the highest possible standards. A corporate firm in the city centre would expect an office of high quality. Why should the people of Harehills expect or receive anything different? The principle that quality should not be compromised, or that the substandard is as unacceptable in Harehills as it is in Harrogate, is central to making the project a success. Aspiration is a buzzword that is often used but actions change far more than words. Creating a high-spec, attractive business and enterprise centre will not solve all Harehills problems but it will hopefully start to shake-up people’s assumptions.

Aim low and you achieve low. Shoot for the stars … and you might hit the clouds.

Comments

[Jamil Ahmed]

Hi Todd,

I applaud your efforts and contragulate you on your achivements to date. I think your hard work will bear fruit and we will see some positive changes in the Harehills area. However there is a danger on directing resources into buildings only, as it can be a case of bringing the horse to the water but not able to make it drink. I am aware that your strategy aims to benefit the local people but without engaging the key people from the local area who have the trust of the local community you may not be able capture the relevant target group. Over the years people in Harehills have been involved in many consultation exercises conducetd by voluntary and statutory agencies but not much has been delivered for them. Therefore many people have become disillusioned and sceptical about any new iniatives. As I am an optimist by nature I think you will meet some of the influential local people on your inspirational journey. Keep up the good work.