Council puts forward fresh Go Ape proposal after swinging away from Roundhay Park plans

Leeds City Council has put forward a new potential location for high rope adventure course Go Ape, after scrapping plans to introduce the attraction at Roundhay Park.

The council says it wants to hear the views of the public after identifying a woodland site in Temple Newsam Park known locally as Menagerie Wood.

“It is felt that such a concession could entice more visitors to the wider estate, attract new investment opportunities and also at the same time help local groups such as the Friends of Temple Newsam, meet their own aims and objectives for the local area,” Leeds City Council said.

“While the findings of further analytic work and the results of a previous public consultation concluded earlier in the year that Roundhay Park would not be a suitable location to host an attraction, the appetite shown by the public for an aerial activity course opening in Leeds if the right home could be found was clear.”

Cllr Lucinda Yeadon, Leeds City Council’s executive member for the environment and sustainability, said: “The feedback which we have received to the idea in principle of a Go Ape attraction opening in Leeds if the right location could be found has been extremely positive. With that in mind, we have undertaken an initial assessment of other potential sites in the city and feel that Menagerie Wood in Temple Newsam could be a viable option moving forward.

“We are therefore very keen that everyone who wishes to do so has the opportunity to offer their thoughts on this proposal, which is why the council has now taken the decision to open an initial public consultation. When completed and assessed, the results of the consultation will help form our position moving forward.”

Ben Davies, head of business development at Go Ape, said: “We remain committed to bringing Go Ape to Leeds and we know there is a lot of support from the local community for our Tree Top Adventure course.

“We have taken on-board the feedback from the consultation about Roundhay Park and have been working with the council to find the right location. We believe that Temple Newsam would be an ideal site, allowing us to bring fun and adventure whilst making a positive economic contribution to the area.”

Anyone wishing to comment on the proposal can do so via email until Friday 28 April at goapeconsultation@leeds.gov.uk