Two years ago, Swinnow Community Centre faced an uncertain future.
Today, it stands as a growing, high-impact community hub, with thousands of people benefiting from its work and its momentum continuing to build year on year.
Since relaunching in 2024, the centre has grown from 9,283 annual visits to 12,229, an increase of 2,946 visits, representing 31.7% growth in just one year.
Recent months show this is not slowing down, with a further 12% increase in visits over the past three months alone.
Lianne Glastonbury, volunteer director, added: “The growth has been strong, but what matters most is the consistency. We’re seeing the same people come back week after week. That tells you the centre is meeting real needs in a way that works.”
This growth is being driven by strong engagement across families, young people and new provision. Stay and Play attendance has surged by over 60%, youth work by nearly 60%, and new SEN provision has rapidly grown into a consistent, well-attended offer.
“This has been a full community effort,” said Will Munton, volunteer director. “What we’re seeing now is real momentum. More people are coming, more people are returning, and the impact is deepening. It’s not just activity, it’s people finding connection, purpose and support.”
Volunteers at Swinnow Community Centre.
Community events continue to bring large numbers together, growing by over 30% and now totalling nearly 5,000 visits since launch.
Volunteer director Craig Newnes added: “We’ve moved from a standing start to a centre that is clearly growing and sustainable. The challenge now is making sure we protect that for the future.”
Alongside this, the centre now welcomes around 1,000 visitors every month, offering a safe, welcoming space for connection, support and community life across all generations.
To celebrate this milestone, Swinnow Community Centre is inviting the whole community to its second Birthday Celebration, a free event set on Saturday, 25 April, to draw families and residents from across the area.
The event will feature a magician, a fire engine with firefighters attending, live music, a line dancing show, bouncy castle, face painting, candy floss, great food, and free birthday cake for everyone.
Residents can confirm attendance at the birthday event and find out more here.
Looking ahead, the centre is now working to secure the building through a potential community asset transfer from Leeds City Council. This project, which is currently under consideration, could protect the space for the long-term future but brings an additional £1,500 per month in running costs.
To meet this, the centre recently launched a call for Swinnow Supporters, inviting individuals and local businesses to play a direct role in sustaining and growing the centre’s work – people can find out more at swinnowcommunitycentrecic@gmail.com
“We’ve proven what this place can do,” added Mr Munton. “Now we need the backing to secure it for the long term, we have confidence in our model and look forward to the future!”
People can also search Swinnow Community Centre CIC on Facebook, or pop in for more information.
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