Your neighbourhood - Belle Isle

Introduction

Welcome to the Belle Isle Neighbourhood page, your go-to hub for everything happening locally and how we’re working together to make Belle Isle a place that contributes positively to the community, keeps you informed about what matters, and listens to your views, and acts on them.

Here, you’ll find links to your Neighbourhood Plan, the priorities you’ve told us are important, updates on local projects, news, and invitations to get involved. There’s something here for everyone and we’re always looking for more ideas from customers.

Don’t forget: every month we’ll be offering a £30 voucher to someone who engages on this site - whether that’s commenting, completing a survey, or sharing photos or stories. A quick and easy way to be enter is by completing our Flash Feedback question. So log in, join the conversation, and have your say!

Location

Belle Isle sits South of Leeds which boasts an abundance of green spaces, parks and easy access to city life. The neighbourhood attracts a diverse mix of residents - from families and professionals to long-standing locals and older residents who have lived here for decades.

Local Amenities

Belle Isle offers a strong range of everyday facilities including shops, cafes, Social clubs, alongside essential services such as a medical centre, post office, library and dental surgery. Belle Isle also has strong bus connections to the city centre and the M621.

Belle Isle boasts several primary and secondary schools with good and outstanding Ofsted ratings.

Council Wards and Councillors

Belle Isle sits within Leeds City Council’s local ward boundaries, and residents are represented by councillors who support community initiatives, local services and events. You can find details of your councillors and how to get involved in local decision-making on the Leeds City Council website or by contacting your local community centre.

Local Walks

WALK 1 – Belle Isle Forest Trail (Easy) Distance: 1.75 km | Time: 40 mins | Suitable for all fitness levels. Suggested Days: Monday, Wednesday, Friday-- Flat circular route ideal for daily walking.

WALK 2 – Castle Circle Walk (Very Easy) Distance: 0.8 km | Time: 20 mins.

Suggested Days: Daily (optional)-- Great for older residents or beginners.

WALK 3 – Middleton Park Mining Trail (Moderate) Distance: 5.1 km | Time: 1.5–2 hrs | Circular route. Suggested Days: Saturday or Sunday-- Includes woodland paths, mining history and dog friendly routes.

WALK 4 – Guided Walk (Monthly, Social Walk) Time: 2 hrs | Start: Middleton Park Visitor Centre. Run by Friends of Middleton Park; ideal for social walking. Weekly Suggested Schedule: Mon – Castle Circle (20 mins) Wed – Forest Trail (40 mins) Fri – Forest Trail (40 mins) Sat – Mining Trail (1.5–2 hrs) Sun – Guided Walk (monthly)

Youth Provision and Clubs

Across the neighbourhood, groups and centres host youth activities, seasonal events, clubs and creative workshops at Bitmo Gate for younger residents. This community engagement helps build connections between neighbours of all ages.

Sporting Interests and Leisure Guide

Bitmo Gate - offers regular activities both in school term time and school holidays, free and low cost meals in the onsite café

Belle Isle John Charles Centre for Sport (Closest Major Hub) Multi purpose complex with stadium, aquatics centre, athletics and tennis. Open: Mon–Fri 07:00–22:00, Sat–Sun 08:00–16:00.

Middleton Park Leisure & Recreation 470+ acre park with fishing lake, playground, bowling greens and heritage trails. Includes Leeds Urban Bike Park for MTB/BMX riders.

Middleton Leisure Centre Sports hall, swimming pool, squash courts, gym access. Open: Mon–Fri 08:00–22:00, Weekends 08:30–17:30.

Over-50s and Older Adult Activities

Belle Isle Senior Action Group are well-served with activities for residents over 50, including:

• Social groups and meet-ups like Social Over Soup with Age UK Leeds a friendly weekly gathering with food and conversation tailored for older adults.

  Leeds Federated Housing Hub is there every last Friday of the month at the Age UK building. Call and book an appointment or just drop in!

  Each session will feature a range of staff ready to help with whatever you need:
  

  
  

  • Neighbourhood Officer – Talk about local issues and neighbourhood concerns.
  • Income Team – Get support with your rent account, benefits advice, and income maximisation.
  • Customer Experience Team – Report a repair, raise a complaint, or ask questions about your tenancy.
  • Customer Engagement Team – Discover how you can get involved. Join our Your Voice panel, apply for community grant funding, or share your ideas for local projects.
    
    
    

• Belle Isle Senior Action Group runs support, exercise sessions, lunch clubs, transport and companionship activities for older neighbours.

• The groups aims are to bring people together in relaxed, sociable settings.

• Across Leeds there are walking, art, movement and wellbeing activities that can be great ways to stay active and connected.

Historical and Heritage Information of Belle Isle

Belle Isle was first recorded in 1762 as Newbell-ile, later Belle Isle, named after the French island Belle Île. Its Coal Mining Heritage began as a hamlet for Middleton Colliery workers and historic wagonways that connected colliery to Belle Isle.

Belle Isle Circus was a central landmark dividing north and south of estate; it was a former tram terminus with city views.

Historic Tramway: 1n 1949 a tram link created a circular segregated tram route connecting Belle Isle & Middleton.