Developer HBD has teamed up with Leeds based MAP Charity, transforming Mabgate Yard into a 26ft canvas.
MAP Charity supports young people between 11 and 16 years old who are at risk of exclusion from mainstream education, offering empowering music and arts qualifications and providing them with inspiring learning environments.
MAP Charity ran a series of workshops at Mabgate Yard’s neighboring site, Hope Foundry. The workshops were led by local artist Al Clarke, who has himself been supported by MAP and is now using his talent and skill to inspire others through art and creativity.
The result is a 26ft tall mural co-created by the artist and MAP students, the colourful artwork adorning the 18th Century brickwork. The commission was made possible by grant funding from Leeds Inspired.
HBD recently revealed its plans for over 300 apartments at Mabgate Yard, with communal, co-working and creative space alongside landscaped outdoor areas and space for residents to meet, relax and collaborate.
Richard Hinds, Development Surveyor at HBD, said: “MAP Charity has a huge impact on the young people it supports – it is an important part of the community in Mabgate and we’re pleased to have been able to help them to make this latest project a reality. Mabgate is a very cool, unique part of the city with art and creativity at its heart so it’s a natural home for their work.”
Charlie Stobbart, Director and Co-founder at MAP Charity, said: “Our art workshops really help to inspire young people and it has been fantastic to work with HBD to allow them to create their very first artwork of scale – at 26ft it was a real challenge!
“The project also offered the chance for them to work closely with Al which has really helped build their confidence, both in themselves and in their abilities, and we’re thrilled with the results.”
Part of the Henry Boot Group, HBD is one of the UK’s most active developers and has seven regional offices across the country. Focusing on urban regeneration, residential and industrial and logistics, it has built a reputation for delivering places with purpose; impactful schemes that make a difference.