Community groups and not-for-profit organisations are being offered the opportunity to take on the management and upkeep of Pudsey Cemetery’s historic chapel building.
The run-down building off Cemetery Road in Pudsey has been closed for almost 16 years – and has been the subject of a residents’ campaign to get it back into community use.
The building, which features two chapels and spire, dates back to 1875 and overlooks a near 12-acre cemetery which was listed as a Grade II* park and garden in May 2002.
Any not-for-profit group or local organisation expressing an interest in a Community Transfer would have the chance to bring the building, which has fallen into disrepair and suffered from vandalism and theft, back into use in some way. Their vision needs to bring community benefits and be in keeping with the area.
One of the chapels was consecrated in May 1875 by the Church of England and any group wishing to take over the site would also need to consider this element as part of their outline proposals.
Councillor Richard Lewis (Lab, Pudsey), Leeds City Council’s executive member for regeneration, transport and planning, said:
“The two chapels on Cemetery Road are an important part of Pudsey’s history and we are extremely keen to see what can be done to return the building to its former glory.
“With that in mind, we are now inviting expressions of interest for a Community Asset Transfer that would give not-for-profit and community groups the opportunity to take over the site and return it into use. We would ask anyone who is interested to contact us for more information.”
The Dispatch has regularly featured the Friends of Pudsey Cemetery and Chapel Group, which is made up of local residents passionate about restoring the building and the cemetery to its former glory.
The Friends group – which was launched at a packed public meeting in 2017 and has since run a number of action days and activities in the cemetery – has expressed an interest in taking on the lease of the building.
Expressions of interest must be submitted by 1pm on 28 February 2019. More details from assetmanagement@leeds.gov.uk.
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