By John Baron
Council chiefs have said the long-term future of Pudsey Civic Hall is still to be decided – almost two years after its future was thrown into doubt.
Proposals to close the 53-year-old facility were revealed in December 2023, amid a wide range of city-wide budget cuts for the 2024/25 financial year. It’s understood the land would potentially be made available for sale.
Since then the building has been used to accommodate events originally set for Morley Town Hall, which has closed for refurbishment and its delayed re-opening is due some time next year.
It is understood Pudsey Civic Hall is currently taking bookings until at least March.
There has been local opposition against the proposed closure – but a statement issued to West Leeds Dispatch this week confirmed that a decision was still to be taken on the buildings future.
In a Leeds City Council spokesperson said: “The long-term future of Pudsey Civic Hall is still under discussion and we will continue to provide updates relating to bookings for next year as we enter the New Year.”
Councillors Peter Carlill and Craig Timmins (Lab, Calverley & Farsley) said: “We were aware that Pudsey Civic Hall would be actively taking bookings until at least March 2026 – but no final decision has yet been made about whether the venue will close permanently.
“As ward councillors we are actively exploring all possible outcomes and working to find a way to allow the venue to stay open and available for the community.
“We have studied the original building condition report thoroughly and have asked a range of detailed questions and clarifications that we understand are still being worked through, alongside projected income for the future.
“The building does require significant investment and we do understand the difficulties of funding these given the current cost pressures on the council. We are focussed on finding a way to do this, without putting put any other council services at risk.
“Whether in council control or otherwise, we believe there are options to keep the building open and important events operating. As well as discussions within the council, we have met with local organisations and businesses to explore possible investment opportunities and additional uses for the building, and are in continued discussion to find a way forward.”
Councillor Andrew Carter (Cons, Calverley & Farsley) said: “I am keeping a very close eye on the situation at Pudsey Civic Hall and I am determined to do everything I can to preserve its future.
“The Civic Hall is busier than ever, but the good news is they are taking bookings right through this year and, as far as I’ve been informed, into 2026 as well. There is no need whatever for this building’s future to be under threat.
“I hope that officers are now putting together a package of proposals to preserve its future.”
In February 2024, councillors on the outer west community committee questioned council officers’ figures over the cost of work needed to modernise the building. It’s understood the council is producing a revised set of figures.
- Follow WLD’s ongoing coverage of Pudsey Civic Hall here.
- WLD is following ongoing council cuts, closures, building sales and reaction in our Cutswatch series of articles.
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