Campaigners lobby for designated ‘gay quarter’ of Leeds

Led by entrepreneur Terry George, who owns several gay-friendly venues in the city, the campaign aims to see Lower Briggate, Bridge End and The Calls designated as the official gay quarter.

A committee has been formed to campaign for official recognition. It is chaired by Sarah Carmody, 33, editor of GayLeeds.com, who said the idea had been inspired by Liverpool’s gay quarter, which received official backing last week.

She added: “Getting our LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) area officially recognised is about inclusion and not segregation. Everyone is welcome to our scene regardless of sexuality but we would like, as in Liverpool, to have our area recognised.”

The Leeds Pride event, the annual gay parade and celebration, attracted 23,000 people 10 days ago and is thought to have generated £1.5m for the Leeds economy.

A council spokesman said: “Our city centre manager is meeting with representatives from the gay community to look further into this idea. We have already produced a map that is available on the Visit Leeds website which identifies gay venues in the city centre.”