Property industry’s generosity is building a better future in Leeds

The money raised at this year’s Crypt Factor is already making a difference to a vast range of local Leeds community projects and could help to fund a new homes scheme offering people who have fallen on hard times a valuable stepping stone back towards mainstream housing.

A record audience of more than 850 property professionals attended the eleventh annual singing competition in March and helped to raise a total of £78,000 for St George’s Crypt and The Leeds Fund, which is managed by Leeds Community Foundation.  The show’s organising committee and main sponsors comprise of Bruntwood, Gent Visick and Pinsent Masons.  TheBusinessDesk.com is the event’s media partner and it’s also supported by Candid PR.

The recently formed St George’s Crypt Development Company has applied for planning permission to build 23 apartments on Hedley Chase in New Wortley, which the money will help to fund.  If planning is successful, the scheme will be developed in partnership with Leeds City Council, which will finance up to 30% of the capital costs through its Right to Buy Replacement Programme.  The development will offer those most at need of housing, a low cost alternative to the private rented sector, with support through St George’s Crypt and onsite facilities for assisting residents back into work.

The Leeds Fund is using the money to support a range of local organisations including Luv2meetU, which is a friendship and dating project for adults with learning disabilities and autism.  The Fund is also working with Red Road Allotments, adding secure fencing and cameras, as well as converting an old garage into a learning space for children.  It’s also supporting the fast growing Tea and Tolerance, which is a participatory art installation that encourages people to talk, think and do imaginative things with each other in order to overcome worries and fears.

Martin Patterson from St George’s Crypt explains: “The hugely generous Crypt Factor donation comes at a great time for us, as we prepare to build an apartment scheme to support people who are committed to improving their lives and preparing to live independently.  We’re very fortunate to have the support of a number of well-known property professionals within our development company and several Crypt Factor attendees have come forward offering to share their professional expertise with us, which is fantastic and we’re extremely grateful for such assistance.”

Kate Hainsworth from Leeds Community Foundation says: “It has been fantastic to be part of such a great event. The money raised will support a range of community projects across the city, to ensure they can continue to help make a positive difference to local people’s lives.”

Organising committee member Craig Burrow from Bruntwood adds: “Crypt Factor is all about creating a standout, memorable night and raising huge sums of money for deserving local organisations in Leeds.  To see how the event is having such a positive and far-reaching impact is wonderful, and it’s all thanks to the spirit and generosity of the region’s property industry, that continually supports it with such vigour and enthusiasm every year.”

Next year’s Crypt Factor will take place on 1st March 2018 and anyone wanting further information, or to express an interest in singing, can email emma.laverty@bruntwood.co.uk or follow it on twitter @cryptfactor.

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