Consultation launched on redevelopment of former Leeds golf course

Leeds residents are being given the opportunity to offer their views regarding the proposed transformation of a former golf course in South Leeds.

This follows an announcement by Leeds City Council in June, proposing to redevelop 48 hectares of land at the former golf course site into a green space for visitors and wildlife.

The proposals include creating a new 5km activity zone, walking trails adjacent to Middleton Park, and potential new cycle trails.

The Council also hopes to develop new habitats with the redevelopment, including planting 9,000 trees, creating a wildflower meadow and wetland habitat, and introducing rewilding practises, alongside developing a Covid-19 Memorial Woodland paying tribute to the Leeds residents and frontline workers who lost their lives during the pandemic.

Cllr Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for public health and active lifestyles, said: ‘We’ve worked hard to ensure that the initial proposals we’ve put forward for the former South Leeds Golf Course site offer something that is positive and meaningful to visitors in an environment that will also offer a range of green benefits. Also included and a major part of the project is the proposal for a new memorial woodland where loved ones can gather, reflect and remember those who have sadly died due to Covid-19.

‘We really want to hear what the people of Leeds think, which is why we have arranged a number of drop-in events from this weekend. The thoughts of residents are extremely important to us and anyone contributing can be assured every comment will be considered carefully before any final decisions are made.’

Three drop-in events are scheduled to receive feedback on the proposals from the public, starting this weekend in South Leeds, as well as an online survey for people who cannot attend the meetings.

In related news, Environment Journal talks to Matt Gordon, coordinator of Our Future Leeds, the grass-routes organisation that is aiming to make Leeds a sustainable and socially just city. 

Photo supplied by Leeds City Council