By John Baron
Plans to install much-needed indoor space at community run Kirkstall Valley Farm have been submitted to Leeds City Council.
Kirkstall Valley Development Trust KVDT aims to rebuild the WOW barn, which was a centrepiece of Leeds 2023 City of Culture – on the farm, which is nestled between the busy A65 and the River Aire.
KVDT was gifted the Leeds 2023 WOW Barn after its use at Woodhouse Moor where it was erected in May 2023 by a 300-strong team of volunteers, all of whom were women, girls or non-binary people, worked in shifts and through the night. It become a hub for the city’s first WOW (Women of the World) Festival.
A letter submitted with the application by Kirkstall Valley Development Trust said: “We already have excellent attendance during the summer for our Healthy Holidays, tots at the farm and forest school sessions.
“This valuable farm space is enjoyable to many Leeds residents, especially those in Kirkstall and Burley that do not have gardens or yards at their homes, however these are outdoor activities that are currently so weather dependent.”
KVDT say the WOW barn will allow them to expand their community activities and events.
The barn would be built on an embankment higher than the recently installed FAS2 flood wall in a bid to prevent the barn from flooding.
KVDT’s letter adds: “There is no alternative position on site to achieve this and minimise any risk of damage from a future flood event. In addition, the Calverley embankment and gate system will reduce the flooding risk further by enabling excess water to be released over time.”
The plans can be read in full here.
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