Leeds projects among 'broken dreams' exhibition

Claude Hendrickson shared the story of Chapeltown's Frontline Self-Build project at the exhibition

A shared garden and a Leeds self-build scheme feature in a Parliament exhibition on the "broken dreams" of discontinued community projects.

The community space in Gipton and Frontline Self-Build in Chapeltown are being used as examples of locally-led projects which could have transformed lives but never reached their full potential.

Museum of Broken Dreams organisers say the schemes weren't held back by "a lack of ideas or dedication" but by a system making it "difficult for community initiatives to succeed".

The BBC approached Leeds City Council and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government for comment.

The exhibition coincides with the second reading of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment bill, which includes measures to introduce more powers for communities to purchase valuable sites and reform commercial leases.

Frontline Self-Build aimed to help often marginalised communities access quality local housing through self-build projects.

In 1993, 12 people built a street of shared-ownership homes over a period of 18 months despite none having any prior experience in construction.

Each participant gained formal qualifications in trades such as bricklaying, plumbing, roofing and general site operations, with all securing employment afterwards.

Other local communities later expressed an interest in build their own homes, however the model was not replicated elsewhere.

Frontline Self-Build saw 12 shared-ownership homes constructed in Chapeltown over a period of 18 months

Claude Hendrickson, who shared the Chapeltown story at the exhibition, said: "It shows both what's possible when communities are trusted and how easily opportunities can be shut down.

"Sadly, mine is just one of many stories across the country with a similar ending."

He added: "For every 'yes' communities get, there are one million 'nos' – and that can be hugely discouraging for local people who simply want to make their places better."

"The garden that never grew" was a community group in Gipton hoping to create a shared community space where residents could grow food and host events.

However, organisers said it failed for several reasons, including "poor communication between council departments".

Rich Bell, director of the We're Right Here campaign, said: "It's heart-breaking to see so many brilliant community projects that could have changed lives but never got the chance.

"These stories show the human cost of a system that sidelines local people, even when they have the skills and vision to make a difference."

He added: The bill is a once in a generation opportunity to put community voice at the heart of the devolution agenda - if we get this right, we can unlock the creativity and energy that already exists in every town and neighbourhood across the country."

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