Janine GriffithsA once gated-off and unloved piece of land in East Leeds has been brought back to life as local residents gathered to celebrate their new green space at Crossgates Community Garden.
The Summer Celebration brought together community groups, young people and local residents on August 15th at the garden, which is part of Crossgates Community Centre.
Organised by local community champions from the Poole Estate Leeds Neighbours Association in collaboration with Let’s Grow East Leeds, the event showcased fresh home-grown produce, creative crafts, live street performances, and free family activities.
The site was previously rarely used by the neighborhood. Andrew Atkinson, 57, of the Pool Estate Leeds Neighbourhood Association, explained how local effort turned the area around.
“It was a locked area, but we’ve been able to use it to do some planting,” he said, adding: “We’ve planted some tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, and we’ve been building up to this to celebrate as having this green space that the council gave us.”
The event featured a range of local groups, including East Leeds Repair Cafe, Seacroft Cycles, Leeds Badgers, and the Crossgates Community Fridge. Children from the Connecting Cross Gates Holiday Club performed a special nature-themed play created alongside Let’s Grow East Leeds.
Natalie Quatermass, 36, from Let’s Grow East Leeds, highlighted the emotional heart of the project, saying: “It’s just so lovely to see people laughing, chatting, talking to each other and having a good time.
“I’ve been working with Connecting Crossgates, the Poole Estate Leeds Neighbours Association and lots of other people throughout the year to really try and animate this space.”
Andrew said local charities and businesses had supported the event, including by providing raffle prizes. He also praised the collective spirit that made the day possible.
“Being at the event and seeing so many people celebrating has been amazing,” he said, adding: “It’s been a real community pull to see something happen. It’s been brilliant.”
Organisers hope the celebration marks only the start of more regular community activities in Crossgates.
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