Imagine Leeds: the climate action hub
Imagine Leeds is a space for collaborating to create a zero carbon, nature friendly, socially just Leeds. We help people to build effective relationships across communities, businesses, organisations and sectors.
Overview
Imagine Leeds provides a real opportunity to envisage what a zero carbon, nature friendly, socially just city would look like. It is currently closed whilst we look for a new building - read more on our blog here.
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Our vision is to create a permanent venue where different sectors can work together in an inclusive, participatory, practical and strategic way. It is a space informed by the latest data, warm relationships, science, culture and voices from across the city. We aim to unlock the passion, skills and vision of the businesses, institutions and people of Leeds and direct this energy towards making a better future for all.
Imagine Leeds is run through the Climate Action Leeds project with the help of many volunteers and environmentally-conscious organisations from across sectors.
What are the aims of Imagine Leeds?
Value and care for people and planet
We want to create a city which values and cares for people and planet by inspiring, activating and empowering Leeds' citizens, groups and communities to think big, act local and start now.
Reach beyond the 'usual suspects'
Let's create a movement that expands across the city and all its people by hosting a joyous, safe and accessible space which engages those not usually part of the environmental and social movements.
Strengthen community and city-wide action
We aim to strengthen community and city-wide action by supporting other initiatives with spaces for connection, gathering resources and creating action towards a zero carbon, nature friendly, socially just Leeds.
Who made Imagine Leeds possible?
Imagine Leeds was made possible through the Climate Action Leeds project, which is funded by the National Lottery, and the help of many volunteers. The first space we occupied in City Exchange for 12 months was generously provided free of charge by Landsec and Leeds City Council kindly waived the business rates. We moved out of City Exchange in February 2024.
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In August 2024, the University of Leeds provided funding to help re-open Imagine Leeds, and in November 2024 they provided a new short term premises within their campus estate.
If you'd like to know more or want to help provide a long term premises for Imagine Leeds please read our blog - Imagine Leeds needs a new home.
& all the volunteers and groups bringing the space alive
What can Imagine Leeds offer?
Imagine Leeds is buzzing hub for climate action where organisations and individuals can meet, network and collaborate, run events, learn, and plan on important issues such as transport, housing, energy, social justice, nature, education, food, work, and economy.
In our first 10 months we hosted 580 meetings and events, working with more than 80 different organisations, leading to upwards of 4,800 visitors coming through our doors.
The space was used by a wide variety of community groups, NGOs, Leeds City Council, Yorkshire and Humber Climate Commission, agencies and many others.
What can you bring to Imagine Leeds?
Your networks and connections
Hosting meetings, events or workshops in the space
Your volunteer time
Your lived experiences
Your passion, skills and energy
Enlivening the space with your activities
Your expertise and knowledge of climate, nature and social justice
Training and facilitation
If you're interested in getting involved and offering any of these to Imagine Leeds then you can find out how on our 'Get involved' page.