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http://leeds-list.com/why-leeds/Leeds continues to push itself as a must-visit destination on these shores, but is it a must-live?
Well, Leeds-List sees no reason why not and we have discovered why people are increasingly tempted to make Leeds their home instead of those neighbouring cities we love to be better than…Leeds List
WorkIt’s one of the most important questions in people’s lives— am I able to get a job? And in the current climate its significance takes on new levels. Though we are not spouting ignorance towards those who continue to look for and struggle to find work, Leeds’ industry seems to be escalating across many sectors.
The prime example of this is the burgeoning retail industry across the city. Trinity Leeds is the only shopping centre in the United Kingdom to open of its ilk in 2013 and is believed to have created around 3,000 jobs in the city. The effect of this on the city is considerable, as it’s an attractive proposition for those looking to move to the industry, and as it continues to open new landmark stores and be joined by the new Victoria Gate development next year, this can only increase.
But it’s not all about the handbags and gladrags y’know. Leeds has one of the pre-eminent finance, legal, insurance and public sector industries outside of London. It’s the northern capital for such business and the fact that the Bank of England takes residence here, as the only subsidiary office outside of London in the UK, Leeds is given more substance as a city of real attraction. Find yourself waltzing down Park Row – we’ve all done that after a jar or two in The Slug and Lettuce or Piccolino’s – and look at who takes residence in the buildings around you; HSBC, Lloyds TSB, NatWest, Santander, Deloitte and Pinsent Masons to name but a few established names.
As Leeds continues to expand, the range of careers it accommodates does so too. But it’s not all work and no play and Leeds has a lot of pride in being a hive of activity…
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NightlifeWell, one thing is for certain, Leeds is not short of a bar or restaurant to satisfy anybody’s needs. Take your pick: Merrion Street quenches the first for a decent beer and cocktail along with a soundtrack of rock and rolling proportions, Millennium Square has an equal measure of cheap and cheerful, cool and collected and luxurious and elegant and Call Lane mixes of all of the above whilst priding itself on its youthful, vibrant clientele.
After the bars, the clubs may come calling and from Mint to Wire, Space to HiFi, you can guarantee a tough week in the office or in the books will seem like a distant memory.
But it’s not just the city centre that has people knocking people down the doors to get here; the suburbs hold their own too with Chapel Allerton and Horsforth showing you don’t need to be feeling inner-city pressures to enjoy yourself and the nightlife, whilst the hubs of Hyde Park and Headingley continue to entice the students who – like myself – struggle to leave.
When people say Leeds caters for all – well, in terms of going out and having a good time at the very least – it’d be hard to disagree.
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CultureWho doesn’t like a bit of culture every now and again? I dare you to lie to me and say you don’t. But, that is enough of idle threats; for those with a tangible interest in the arts, Leeds has more than plenty going on to lure you in.
And what’s more, you can get into most galleries for absolutely zip. Places such as Leeds Art Gallery, the Henry Moore Institute and Royal Armouries all invite people in for nothing, cementing Leeds as an area of cultural importance and social conscience. There are, to many, few better reputations to have.
Though slightly more expensive, but no less prolific and equally as engaging is the burgeoning theatre scene. From Leeds Grand Theatre and West Yorkshire Playhouse to City Varieties and The Carriageworks, there’s plenty to keep the thespians happy 24/7.
We have come this far without even giving a nod to cinema in the city. If you’re a film buff, how could you be disappointed? There’s the Vue Cinema in The Light providing the mainstream touch but Leeds is the first city north of the Watford Gap that is now home to an Everyman Cinema – it’s only right that people want to make it their home too. But, steady on, we have missed out the jewel in the crown. Hyde Park Picture House, whilst not being a multiplex, has a varied selection of arthouse and conventional releases within its depths, as well as its character as one of the few remaining picture palaces this country has left.
And whilst these places offer a multitude of things to keep residents happy, they’re also a massive industry that promotes investment and careers in the region. By maintaining a strong relationship with the community and prolific in the quality of the work on show, Leeds has become the North’s cultural centre.
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MusicWell, where do you start? I know. Why not take a look at our beginner’s guide to Leeds’ music scene where we uncover the best places for you to watch all of your favourite artists, be they new, old or somewhere in the middle.
But why has Leeds gained such a reputation as a place for people with a deep rooted appreciation of music – be it hip-hop, metal, rock, pop and everything in between? People want to live here because of the sheer spectrum of gigs and artists you can be witness to.
It’s a diverse city and it is replicated in the array of events it puts on. The Wardrobe is the place to be for funk, soul and jazz – try Seven Arts in Chapel Allerton too for some suburban enjoyment. O2 Academy Leeds has the best in mainstream pop and rock, The Cockpit likes to split its time between the very indie and the very heavy whilst the Brudenell takes its joy from putting on a slew of everything, and throwing in their character and expertise.
But, Leeds is also home to a number of bands, past and present that have made their mark on the UK’s musical landscape from Gang of Four, The Sisters of Mercy and The Wedding Present to Kaiser Chiefs, The Music, Pulled Apart by Horses and The Pigeon Detectives.
The Leeds music scene continues to grow and develop but with a strong ethos that prevents it from becoming too big for its boots. A friend once said of Leeds that it’s retains the buzz of London but doing it on a more familiar, friendly scale whilst maintaining a distinct professionalism. Not bad – but then again, we’re not surprised.
Leeds List
Size & StyleLeeds has a lot of things to see and do, that’s a given. But it’s also how the city looks and feels that gives it an advantage over neighbouring places. To be a city that has so much within it and yet manages to stay – when compared to the marathon that is trying to get from Manchester’s Northern Quarter to Oxford Road or Deansgate at the very least – so compact, Leeds provides an all-inclusive atmosphere with some classy touches.
Those touches? Well, just look up. We’re proud advocators of the beauty in the city and Leeds has plenty of history and character displayed throughout its quite wonderful architecture. From Cuthbert Brodrick’s landscape changing structures to the 21st century metamorphosis that the city is currently experiencing, Leeds provides an enticing blend of new and old that appeals to those with a penchant for relics and those who prefer the sleekness of modern architecture.
It’s not just the amenities that make people want to live here – it’s the fact it has some of the most exciting living developments in the country. Since the turn of the millennium, nearly £1bn has been spent on new and renovated places to live in buildings such as Granary Wharf and Clarence Dock, and this continues to put Leeds at the forefront of people’s minds when looking for a city to call their own.
