School campaigners put forward business case

Campaigners from the Royal Park Community Consortium, led by co-organiser John Lawrence, right, hoping to spend £1m to turn a disused primary school building into a thriving community centre handed their business case to council leaders in Leeds yesterday.

An 80-page business plan, complete with architect’s drawings, has been put together by those fighting to save Royal Park Primary School, in Hyde Park, Leeds. It has stood empty since 2004 and hit the headlines last year when campaigners occupied the site in a protest against its deteriorating condition which led some to fear it would eventually be demolished. The Royal Park Consortium has produced a business case for the site to be a ‘community hub’ with space for small businesses, social enterprises and activities. Picture: James Hardisty.