We're supporting the development of a new community garden in Chapeltown.
The Chapeltown Carnival Mural Garden project has been awarded £27,250 from the Veolia Environmental Trust through the Landfill Communities Fund, securing a major investment to transform a small but significant piece of land in Chapeltown into a vibrant community garden and welcoming public space.
The project is being delivered by a local planning group made up of Leeds West Indian Carnival, Leeds City Council, East Street Arts, and The Ginnel Project (Chapeltown Arts Ltd), alongside additional stakeholders who have supported the development of the site.
Located at the end of Savile Mount, LS7, the Mural Garden sits directly beneath the large, colourful mural painted in 2023 by Rhian Kempadoo‑Millar and commissioned by East Street Arts. The mural celebrates the history and spirit of Leeds West Indian Carnival and has become a striking landmark in the area.
The new funding will transform the site into a vibrant community garden that celebrates Chapeltown’s cultural heritage and enhances the setting of the mural. The project will include a bespoke bench designed by The Ginnel Project, inspired by themes from the artwork, alongside new planting, environmental improvements and community-led activities that activate the space and encourage wider use.
Community consultations have shown strong support for the garden, with residents welcoming the opportunity to see this neglected corner of Chapeltown transformed into a nurtured, usable space that discourages dumping, improves the local environment and reflects the area’s community heritage.
The focus of the funding is for the capital development of the site – the bench installation, landscaping development and infrastructure improvements.
The site sits at one end of the Chapeltown ginnel between Sheepscar and Potternewton Lane, offering a start or a destination for a walk down the ginnel. The improvements will bring wider benefits to people who live nearby and those who pass through the area daily. Situated close to Carnival House it reflects and celebrates the contribution of Leeds Caribbean community to the fabric of the city and fosters a sense of pride.
What people are saying
Stuart Bailey, Trustee for Leeds West Indian Carnival, said: “This award marks an exciting new chapter for the Reflections of Carnival mural legacy. What began as a public artwork that celebrated over 50 years of Leeds West Indian Carnival in our city, has evolved into a community-led vision for the neighbourhood. Transforming an underused site into an attractive garden that celebrates Chapeltown’s rich cultural heritage will improve the physical and cultural environment. We are proud to lead this project and would like to thank Veolia Environmental Trust for their support. We are also grateful to our partners and local residents whose ideas and commitment have shaped this project from the very beginning.”
Sandra Whyles, who leads The Ginnel Project, said: “The bench is a key part of the garden, reflecting both the spirit of carnival and the need for a strong, welcoming place to sit and take in the mural and cityscape. Its design was a united effort within The Ginnel Project, combining artistic, architectural and landscape expertise. Inspired by the mural and the meaning of Leeds West Indian Carnival, the Adinkra symbol, from Ghana, was used to represent freedom and emancipation, and was the clear favourite in community consultations. We’re excited to see it installed and delighted that the Veolia Environmental Trust is helping the planning group bring the Mural Garden to life.”
Leeds City Council Ward Councillor for Chapel Allerton, Cllr Jane Dowson, said: “When internationally acclaimed artist Rhian Kempadoo-Millar was commissioned to create the extraordinary Reflections of Carnival mural, I knew how important it was to respond to the community’s request for a beautiful garden space and seating area from which to enjoy it. It has been my honour to work with the Carnival Committee, The Ginnel Project, East Street Arts, and Council colleagues to bring this new space to life. I would also like to thank Veolia Environmental Trust for its generous funding, which has helped us turn the residents’ vision into reality.”
Melody Walker from East Street Arts said: “This project exemplifies the role that artists and communities can play in shaping the future of our neighbourhoods. At East Street Arts, we believe public art should do more than transform walls: it should spark conversations, build relationships and inspire long-term change. As lead partner on the Reflections of Carnival mural, it has been extraordinary to see a community artwork evolve into a wider vision for the neighbourhood. The Mural Garden extends the life and impact of the mural, creating a space where culture, ecology and community can come together in everyday life.”
The Chapeltown Carnival Mural Garden project is supported by the Veolia Environmental Trust‘s Landfill Communities Fund, in partnership with Leeds West Indian Carnival, The Ginnel Project (Chapeltown Arts Ltd), Leeds City Council (Chapel Allerton Ward Councillors, Parks and Countryside, and Housing Leeds) and East Street Arts.
