Pioneering Leeds-based education charity Lighthouse Futures Trust (Lighthouse Futures) has moved to Moorfield House, Alma Road, Headingley in a deal negotiated by Carter Towler. The property’s owner, Illuminating Investments, agreed to let an initial 9000 sq ft of the imposing Grade II building to the charity who will use the space to create an innovative further education college.
Lighthouse Futures supports young adults, aged 16-25, with autism or a learning disability.
Commenting on the deal Richard Fraser said: “We are very excited to see Lighthouse Futures amazing plans for the refurbishment of Moorfield House take shape. The themed learning zones will include hotel and restaurant hubs, office suites and IT and media suites – all the kinds of workplaces their students are preparing for.”
Lighthouse Futures Trust chief executive officer, Katie Parlett added: “The statistics for young people with learning difficulties moving into employment are only 16% which is shockingly low compared to research that shows over 70% really want to work. For the past 5 years we have been working with some of the region’s major employers – Yorkshire Water, Johnson & Johnson, KPMG, John Lewis, Leeds City Council and others – to provide a 12-month supported internship. This enables our talented interns to learn what it is like to work in a business setting, and to try out a range of roles in different areas.
“Illuminating Investments has been a supportive landlord, pulling out all the stops to help us develop just part of the building first whilst we work very hard behind the scenes to secure the additional finances required.”
David Aspland, Illuminating Investments director concluded: “Moorfield House is perfect for Lighthouse Futures; it’s in a great location and has a very vibrant and creative past. It’s wonderful to know that will now continue with the college focusing on preparing talented young people for work in such an innovative way.”