Hunslet and Holbeck Heritage Project

Mark Westgarth

Led by Mark Westgarth, with Ruth Dass and Rebecca Wade, the Hunslet and Holbeck Heritage Project began in 2012. It was funded through the IGNITE initiative in the Creative and Cultural Industries (CCI) Exchange at the University of Leeds.

The project considered the role of heritage as a catalyst for community engagement and empowerment by directing further attention to the significant 19th century industrial heritage of Leeds, with a focus on economic and business growth via training, education and skills using new and emerging technologies.

Over 40 participating organisations, institutions and community groups were involved in the project, with a series of project meetings and events at various venues, ranging from Hunslet Baptist Church, South Leeds Hub, Temple Mill, Leeds Discovery Centre and Leeds City Town Hall.

The project continued into 2013 with a conference at The Middleton Railway Museum.