By John Baron
‘Positive discussions’ have taken place over the future of the former West Leeds Country Park Visitors’ Centre and glasshouse in Pudsey Park.
Both facilities shut in February 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. A subsequent round of Leeds City Council budget cuts in 2021 permanently closed the facilities in a bid to save the cash-strapped local authority £90,000 a year.
The council this week confirmed that discussions were ongoing with an unnamed organisation to take over the lease of the site.
A Leeds City Council spokesperson said in a statement: “The council is engaged in positive discussions regarding a proposal for the future of Pudsey Park’s visitor centre and glasshouse.
“Whilst the lease arrangements have not yet been finalised, work is ongoing to support the future of the site. Further updates will be provided once the details are confirmed.”
Councillor Dawn Seary (Cons, Pudsey) said she had been working with a company to safeguard its long-term future.
She told WLD: “Positive discussions are under way regarding the future of a key council asset.
“I have been working with a company that is exploring opportunities to take on the asset and safeguard its long-term future.
“While negotiations with Leeds City Council are ongoing and no formal agreement has yet been reached, it is hoped that further details will be confirmed and shared in the New Year.”
Council bosses invited expressions of interest for the former visitor centre in Autumn 2022, comprising animal enclosures, aviaries and aquariums, as well as associated welfare rooms, offices, a classroom and toilets. The glasshouse next door is also available.
Cllr Trish Smith (Reform, Pudsey) said it was ‘wonderful’ to see progress being made with the buildings. She added: “It is incredibly sad to see our beloved ‘animal house’ closed – especially since it has very likely not brought about the cost savings the administration claimed at the time.
“I only hope negotiations are successful and the rug isn’t pulled out from underneath them at the eleventh hour.”
- Follow WLD‘s coverage of the centre’s closure and possible new lease of life here.
- WLD‘s Cutswatch series has been detailing cuts in West Leeds here.
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