Living Oasis Update

Karen of Living Oasis Leeds has this to share:


Dear Friends

Many of you will know that Living Oasis in Leeds closed its doors at the end of December and moved to 77 Albion Street. With the help of the Nationwide Christian Trust we have secured this fantastic city centre location for the next six years. The premises, formerly Barclays Bank, has 5000 square feet of prime retail space. It is just a short distance from the amazing Trinity Development. Trinity is due to be completed in early 2013. It will include, for example, a 90,000 square feet new Primark store and Albion Street will also receive a face lift as part of the development. Just imagine how many people this will bring to Albion Street. You can find out more about the Trinity Development at www.trinityleeds.com.

At 9.30 on Friday 15^th July Ray George, Chairman of the Nationwide Christian Trust called us to say that, with regret, he would be unable to take the vision for Leeds forward. He has taken a hard decision to withdraw from Christian retail and only Harrogate and South Woodford are still trading. These shops are also seeking future funding. We express our gratitude that Ray took on 19 former Wesley Owen shops following the demise of STL. He would still like to see the full Living Oasis vision of coffee shop, books and meeting rooms come to fruition in Leeds and Liverpool. The latter has managed to secure local funding which means it can move forward at new premises on Lord Street. Our priority in Leeds is to keep 77 Albion Street and see if there is any way we can take over the lease.

I am writing to seek your support in keeping the full Living Oasis vision alive in Leeds. This will be a space to build communities, right in the heart of  the city.

What is the vision? The vision is one of a sustainable business in the daytime and a community space for the evening. God gave me a vision of His light shining out of the building at 77 Albion Street, a vision confirmed by my husband who received it at the same time as me.

I firmly believe that God wants me to take this vision forward. What do you feel God is calling for in the centre of Leeds? How can we all work better together? What should a Christian presence on the High Street look like?

If you feel you can support this vision in any of the following ways:

I would love to hear from you. Please contact me by email at k.spence1@btinternet.com or by post to 77 Albion Street, Leeds LS1 5LD if you would like to know more or can support us in any way.