Campus at £400m Leeds development generates over £10m in social value

New research into a multi-million pound West Yorkshire development has shown that it has generated over £10m in social value.

Statistics have been announced about the impact of the Forging Futures Campus at the £400m Kirkstall Forge development in Leeds.

According to the report, more than £10m in social value has been delivered, with over 450 students participating in curriculum delivery, site visits, workplace engagement, CV workshops and mock interviews in partnership with local schools, colleges and universities.

The social value figure is based on the social, economic and environmental outcomes created for local communities and the wider region, including the campus’ ability to help those out of work and education to find pathways into new apprenticeships and training.

Led by developer CEG, Kirkstall Forge will deliver 400,000 sq ft of commercial and community space, more than 1,000 new homes along with retail, leisure and other facilities.

Lucinda Yeadon, community liaison manager at CEG, commented: “We’re passionate about providing long-term benefits to communities, so for us it was really important that we started delivering programmes aimed at those furthest from the job market.

“One of our key drivers, aside from the buildings themselves and the regeneration of physical spaces, is to firmly embed ourselves within the community that we’ve choose to develop within.

“We’re incredibly proud of those that have already taken part and are starting to see the positive impact. Our focus now is on how we continue this and ensure we meet our growing social value aspirations.”

Howard Metcalf at project management firm Pierre Angulaire, which manages the Forging Futures Campus on behalf of CEG, added: “The impact we’re seeing already in terms of social value as a result of the programmes that are available for young people at Kirkstall Forge is clearly impressive.

“What’s also key to measuring the value is gaining the feedback from the individuals who have been through the course, both directly and through their family and friends.

“We’re not just generating a financial benefit, but creating life changing, long-term opportunities for young people in our region.”

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