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About HEART
HEART is Headingley’s community, enterprise, and arts centre. Its core mission is to provide a welcoming space that encourages community, creativity, and action.
On any given month, there is always plenty happening at HEART. Creativity is nurtured through regular favourites like Tuesday Night Live music, film screenings, and poetry open mic nights, while the centre also provides spaces for connection across generations. Tiny Boo offers a welcoming stay-and-play area for pre-schoolers, and Rosie’s Tea Bar brings older members of the community together every Friday.
HEART also hosts support services and community initiatives, from food banks and mediation sessions to groups tackling loneliness and social isolation. For those looking to get active, there are regular sports groups, including table tennis and jiu jitsu. And if you fancy a cuppa or a bite to eat, the lively Assembly Bar + Kitchen serves everything from all-day breakfasts to light bites and refreshments.
Our Story
HEART was born from a local campaign to save the former Headingley Primary School. After five years of hard work from local residents, the building was refurbished and reopened in 2011 as HEART, which still pays homage to its roots by promoting learning in all its forms to this day.
The centre is the flagship project of the Headingley Development Trust (HDT), a community business run by local residents whose aim is to promote and sustain the area. HEART continues to thrive without grant support thanks to the generosity of locals who invest financially and give their time as volunteers.
Everything at Heart revolves around community. When people are given the space, tools and support for connection and growth, it becomes inevitable. Our goal is to be inclusive and foster development in all its forms – social, artistic, and physical. We are also committed to keeping Headingley green, minimising our environmental impact with built-in energy-saving features and encouraging users to reuse, recycle, and travel sustainably.
Accessibility
Easier access for people with disabilities is a priority at HEART. The centre features extra-wide doors, ramps, and a lift to all floors. Assistance dogs are always welcome, and we will always do what we can to ensure the centre is accessible to all.
We are proud to be one of the only centres in north Leeds with a Changing Places Disabled Toilet, in line with the Changing Places campaign.
Building Features
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Wide doors and clear corridors
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Ramps and easy-open front doors with push pad
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Lift to all floors
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Hearing/audio induction loop
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Accessible parking including 2 disabled bays outside the front entrance
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Accessible toilets on every floor
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Changing Places toilet
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EvacChair
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Carer's discount
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Accessible performances
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Free WiFi
Toilet Facilities
Our accessible toilets include a height-adjustable adult-sized changing bench, tracking hoist system, adequate space for the person and up to two carers, a centrally placed toilet with room either side, and a safe, clean environment throughout.
Euan's Guide
HEART is listed on Euan's Guide, the disabled access review website helping people find accessible venues across the UK. You can read reviews of HEART or share your own experience at euansguide.com.
Our Accreditations
Child Friendly Leeds Ambassador
Disability Confident Employer
Mindful Employer
RICS Pro Yorkshire Community Benefit Award 2014
Eco - Friendly Building
HEART is a community-led project run by the community for the community.
We believe we have a responsibility and an opportunity to do our bit for the environment…
It’s not about paying lip-service and just having a recycling bin in reception; we really care and are trying to invest in the future.
Bear with us, though, as this is a steep learning curve and we’re also restricted by the physical limitations of the buildings, so for example we can’t have a roof garden!
Take a look at some of the changes we installed so far to help combat climate change:
Recycling
Recycle bins are available in reception and on every floor, covering paper, glass, cardboard, plastic bottles, and rinsed food tins.
Low Energy Lighting
Throughout the building we use low energy lights with movement sensor controls that switch off automatically when rooms are empty. Improved natural daylight and ventilation reduces energy needed for lighting and removes the need for air conditioning.
Solar Panels
Solar panels on the lower south roof help generate hot water for the building. Our photovoltaic panels on the south roof can generate up to 5kW of electricity, reducing our energy bills and our carbon footprint.
Bike Spaces
We have plenty of bike spaces in our bike park, plus a shower on site — so there's nothing stopping you cycling in.
Rainwater Harvesting
A tank on the roof collects rainwater which is used to flush the toilets throughout the building — a simple but effective way to reduce mains water usage.
Green Areas
A team of dedicated volunteers look after the green areas at the front and back of the building. We grow vegetables with the aim of supplying our café, and our kitchen team regularly use fresh herbs from the garden. Some of our cakes have even been made using apples from the trees at the front of the building!
How to find us
Bus:
26 minute bus ride from the city centre bus station, just get on any of the 23/25/27/28, get off at St Michaels Church, and we are a 3 minute walk round the corner
Walk:
We are a 17 minute walk from the Burley Park train station, and a 21 minute walk from the Headingley train station
Parking:
We encourage walking, cycling and the use of public transport wherever possible
There is a small on-site car park for building users; spaces, including for blue badge holders, are available on a first-come first-served basis