A number of cultural businesses and organisations in Mabgate have all recently been forced to close due to development evictions on our doorstep. An entire network of independent creative enterprises is at risk from further planning applications for residential conversions.

OUR VISION FOR THE FUTURE

A permanent creative gateway on the boundary of the city centre and East Leeds.

To secure a future in our rapidly growing city, it is time for small creative enterprises to adapt to keep ahead in modern Leeds. In a move to not only protect the future of our own businesses, but also of others at risk in the Mabgate community, the collective will unite under one roof known as FORTRESS.

By purchasing and renovating one of the area’s forgotten buildings, FORTRESS aims to secure a sustainable and affordable space with inclusive access for the local community. Complete with state-of-the-art facilities, grassroots organisations can grow and flourish.

MABGATE’S CREATIVE COMMUNITY

Over the past 9 years we have developed a vital hub on the fringes of the city centre, in partnership with a broad collective of like-minded enterprises that form the bedrock of grassroots, DIY culture in Leeds today. We have provided a breeding ground for local hardworking independents to launch and grow into successful businesses. These include:

• an event space recognised in Parliament by 26 MPs for its significant contribution to Leeds

• a well established carpentry business

• a large collective of rehearsal rooms

• a recording studio and record label

• litho, fabric and screen printers

• a vegan cafe and micro-brewery

• artists, designers and photographers working internationally

• a community boxing gym

• pioneering academic research at the forefront of VR film, data privacy and the environment

We have close relationships with other organisations nearby, such as MAP charity working with children excluded from mainstream education, who stressed our importance as a catalyst for other creative enterprises in the area.

Positive social interactions in an increasingly diverse and disconnected population have transformed Mabgate into a safe, vibrant and inclusive neighbourhood. FORTRESS aims to take this one step further, where pioneering academic digital research initiatives share the same home as a community boxing gym that has trained local teenagers to become World Champions.

As a grassroots organisation it is important for us to be located on the fringe of the city centre to act as a gateway for local communities in Mabgate, Lincoln Green and Harehills to interact with the arts.

WHY WE DO IT – ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL IMPACT

The network has proved to be one of the best incubators for musicians, artists and makers in the country, and creates a platform for the local community to tell its story.

Vibrant DIY communities and independent enterprises have a long history in Leeds, and make a significant economic contribution to the local area and the city as a whole. Collaborating with educators, local industries, and the most vulnerable in our society, the creative industries provide inspiration and innovation.

An inclusive creative industry promotes social cohesion, supports mental health and well being, encourages independence and establishes an ethos of life-long learning. This provides inspiration to people to chase their dreams, create their own businesses and contribute to a thriving, healthy city.

The stability of FORTRESS will protect grassroots organisations and the jobs that they provide. Security of tenure in a cooperative environment instigates collaboration, vision, and growth.

TO FOLLOW OUR STORY

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/leedsfortress

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/fortress.leeds

Twitter: http://twitter.com/FortressLeeds

Email us on hello@fortressleeds.com

Thanks for your interest!

Dom & Si (Co-Founders)