By John Baron
Councillors have been briefed over plans to improve ‘prison’ like toilets in Kirkstall Abbey cafe – and of ambitious refurbishment plans at nearby Abbey House Museum.
David Hopes, head of service at Leeds Museums and Galleries, told councillors on the south west community committee that work was ongoing to reimagine Abbey House Museum, which last year avoided closure following a huge public outcry.
He said the idea was to create a more sustainable, more playful people’s history museum for Leeds. The museum would also be more accessible, have broader appeal, and attract more repeat visits.
Mr Hopes said negotiations were ongoing surrounding a potential commercial partnership with Kirkstall Brewery, but nothing could be announced publicly as negotiations are still ongoing.
He told councillors: “It’s likely we will have a bistro opening in the Norman Rooms from November, which will provide another good reason to visit the museum and, of course, generate much-needed revenue.”
He also said the council was the sole trustee at Kirkstall Abbey and he had been working last two years with local councillors to activate a trust which would register with the Charity Commission which would fundraise for the Abbey site.
Kirkstall councillor Fiona Venner (Labour) felt the council had ‘not been entrepreneurial enough’ regarding the Abbey site and called for more events, including wedding receptions, to be held there
“Weddings are a really obvious way to make more from what is a very iconic setting,” she added.
Kirkstall Green councillor Joe Ingham echoed sentiments about more events called for improvements to the Abbey cafe toilets, comparing them to prison toilets. He also called for improved disabled access at Abbey House.
Mr Hopes said the toilets were in a ‘poor state of repair’ and said the council was trying to find money for improvements. He said plans to I’m prove Abbey House included catering for accessibility in what is a ‘quirky’ set of buildings.
Councillor Andy Parnham (Lab, Armley) asked for new items to freshen places like Abbey House Museum up.
On Leeds Industrial Museum in Armley, Cllr Lou Cunningham (Green, Armley) called for more signage and visibility to let people know it’s there.
“Armley’s Industrial Museum is a real gem but it’s hidden away,” she added. Cllr Cunningham also called for the council to make more use of the cinema.
The Inner South West Community Committee covers the Armley, Beeston & Holbeck, Hunslet & Riverside and Kirkstall wards.
Watch the full meeting below: