Standing derelict for nearly 20 years, the Grade II Listed Harehills middle school, was a major eyesore and a real drain on a vibrant community. In 2006, four social entrepreneurs banded together to invest their own money and time along with another £4.5m in public and private capital to create Shine.
The building was converted into small business incubator units, the intention being to bring regeneration and growth to the area. The project is mostly being funded from the Local Enterprise Growth Initiative (LEGI) and ERDF. The new development will incorporate a Local Economic Growth Initiative (LEGI) ‘Catalyst Centre’, office space, incubator space for start-ups, workshop space, community/conference space, a crèche and a café.
Shine is a true community project.
