Interesting Stuff

[sarah_orange]

I completely forgot to post anything up about this here so here you go:

SAVE CORN EXCHANGE - HANDS OFF KIRKGATE MARKET - PROTEST SATURDAY 1ST DECEMBER 2PM - IIN FRONT OF CORN EXCHANGE

On Sat 1st Dec at 2pm there will be a protest to save the Corn Exchange from being turned into a "Food Emporium". The managers of the building, Zurich, are kicking out existing independent traders to make way for upmarket and branded restaurants. This would mean the end of one of the LAST FEW places in Leeds where you can find small and independent traders and a non-controlled public space. It will effectively mean that access to this fantastic and historic public space will be reduced to only a selected minority.
But the "gentrification" of the Corn Exchange is only one example of what is happening to Leeds City Centre. The Kirkgate Market next door is also due for refurbishment and could end up being an extension of the Victoria Quarter. Independent and diverse spaces are being squeezed out to the point that Leeds will be turned into just another Clone Town.
If you want Leeds to keep its individuality, defend public spaces for all, and retain local control over local assets and landmarks, come on Saturday at 2pm.

I'm not sure how I feel about all this actually - it kinda feels bad but I'm worried I'm just being conservative (with a small c)
hmm...