Second chance Leeds school saves its historic Leeds building earmarked to become luxury flats

A SECOND chance school for excluded children is celebrating after saving its historic city centre building, which was earmarked to become luxury flats.
By The Newsroom
Published 3rd Oct 2019, 07:00 GMT
John Wright, previous landlord of Hope Foundry with Tom Smith, MAPs co-founder and project director.John Wright, previous landlord of Hope Foundry with Tom Smith, MAPs co-founder and project director.
John Wright, previous landlord of Hope Foundry with Tom Smith, MAPs co-founder and project director.

Following a two year fundraising drive, MAP (Music and Arts Production) Charity, which is based at Hope Foundry on Mabgate, managed to raise more than £1m, thanks to a successful community led fundraising campaign, to buy its Grade II Listed building, which dates to 1831.

Now the future of its young students - who are not in mainstream education - is looking bright, with plans to expand their education service with a creative hub, focussing on creative skills.

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Cash was raised through social investors with contributions from lots of individuals running marathons and other such sponsored events.

MAP Charity, at Hope Foundry, Mabgate, Leeds, which dates to 1831.MAP Charity, at Hope Foundry, Mabgate, Leeds, which dates to 1831.
MAP Charity, at Hope Foundry, Mabgate, Leeds, which dates to 1831.

Tom Smith, MAP’s co-founder and project director, said: “Formally acquiring the building is truly humbling as it has only been possible thanks to extraordinary members of the public.

“Our vision for Hope Foundry will be transformative for the community and so we’re urging the public to dig deep and get behind our ongoing campaign to refurbish and make it a reality.”

MAP Charity supports those unable to access mainstream education and uses a curriculum of music and art to inspire them to reach their full potential – with both formal qualifications and development opportunities offered through partnerships with local creative businesses.

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'˜Life-changing' Leeds MAP charity celebrates the past as it looks to the future