Weekender: Regeneration plans of historic Town Hall unveiled

Yeadon Town Hall Community Interest Company (CIC) has officially taken over the 140-year-old building from Leeds City Council from 1st April 2019.

The new management team has unveiled plans for the regeneration of the town hall. These include full refurbishment and modernisation works throughout the building and provide a new entertainment programme.

With support from Key Fund, a Sheffield-based social enterprise investment company, and a contribution from Leeds City Council Heritage Fund, Yeadon Town Hall CIC has been able to secure the finances needed to begin making the improvements.

Works will include carrying out redecoration throughout the building – including replacing flooring and curtains, refurbishing the kitchen and bathroom facilities and revamping the bar area.

Practical considerations include refurbishing the 90-year-old heating system and improving the main auditorium by increasing the stage depth, introducing new stage rigging equipment and adding professional stage flooring.

There are also plans to create additional dressing rooms and backstage areas, a new accessible reception desk and Box Office that will be open during the day and before events, and a VIP lounge bar.

The clock tower and its clock faces will be restored, in addition to repair work to the roof, exterior walls and the stained glass windows.

Jamie Hudson, director of Yeadon Town Hall CIC, said: “The local community is as passionate as we are about preserving the Town Hall and ensuring it is fit for purpose for many years to come. The refurbishment will take a lot of time, money and dedication but we hope to have the building restored to its former glory by the end of 2020. In the meantime, wherever possible the building will continue to be functional, providing quality entertainment from across the UK.”

Once these works are complete, the Town Hall will aim to produce and tour original shows, as well as welcoming other production companies.

Hudson added: “Our programme of events includes something for everyone. Families will enjoy our musical cabaret show, A Night at the Musicals and of course our Circus Spectacular is ideal entertainment for those looking for fun activities during the summer holidays.

“We’re also catering for music fans and classical concert-goers, and have many exciting plans on the horizon including the introduction of Yeadon Town Hall cinema screenings and regular comedy nights.”