By Kelvin Wakefield
The Bear Pit has opened again for the first time in 170 years.
Over 100 locals turned out on Saturday, March 29, for a grand reopening. They were there to explore and celebrate Leeds Civic Trust’s newly restored Grade II listed building on Cardigan Road.
The Victorian folly was originally part of the massive Leeds Zoological and Botanical Gardens, which opened in 1840 and closed in 1852.
Leeds Civic Trust acquired the site in 1966 for £128. After years of planning, the site has been restored and now includes disabled access, improved landscaping, as well as enhanced security.
Members of Leeds Civic Trust, including Director Martin Hamilton, gave short speeches explaining the long process of restoring the site.
They were joined by Leeds North West MP Alex Sobel, and Headingley and Hyde Park ward councillor Abdul Hannan, before the ribbon was cut and the public welcomed.
Former Trust director, Kevin Grady, said: “It was great to see the Bear Pit finally restored, after several previous attempts had been hampered by planning obstacles.”
The outer grounds will be publicly accessible, but access to pit and the viewing area above are restricted. There’s a link on the Trust’s website to a consultation, where they’re seeking suggestions of what should happening to the site and how it could be used in future.
You can find the consultation link, and read more about the history of the Bear Pit, and its 60 year ownership by Leeds Civic Trust, on their website here.
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