Work is underway to improve the Watsonian Pavilion in Cross Flatts Park, Beeston.
Photo: Jeremy Morton
Community group the Friends of Cross Flatts Park (FOCFP) have raised money to upgrade the Pavilion and turn it into a hub for live performances and cultural events. The works will covert the front of the building to glass and install a canopy to allow live performances to take place in all weathers. Improvements to the kitchen, toilets and entrance are also being made.
Cross Flatts Park is one of the premier green spaces in South Leeds and has undergone extensive regeneration in recent years. FOCFP has spent the last 10 years actively fundraising and applying for grants in a bid to improve the quality of the park and has initiated many clean up campaigns and activities.
FOCFP raised over £100,000 for the work with grants from the Caird Peckfield Community Fund, Leeds City Council and the Inner South Area Committee and £11,000 of its own fundraising efforts
Al Garthwaite, Secretary for FOCFP said:
“We’re delighted to have secured this level of funding, it’s very unusual for a ‘friends’ group to obtain such a significant amount. We’ve been fundraising for 10 years now, and consulting with the local community to work out exactly what’s needed in the park. Not only will this make-over offer lasting social, cultural and environmental benefits to our community, it will also make the park a sought out destination for those living further afield.”
Councillor Angela Gabriel, Chair of the Inner South Area Committee said:
“The Councillors on the Inner South Area Committee are delighted to be contributing funds to this project. The refurbished Watsonia Pavilion will provide a great facility and venue in the middle of Cross Flatts Park. We hope even more local groups will use it and continue to bring the park to life.”
The works, co-ordinated by Groundwork Leeds, have already seen new paving laid and seats installed in the nearby Millennium Garden. The project has been a partnership between FOCFP, Groundwork Leeds, Beeston and Holbeck Ward Councillors, LCC Parks & Countryside, LCC Corporate Property Management, Beeston In Bloom and the Inner South Area Management Team.
In a separate project the Council has installed new play equipment in the playground by the sports courts. This work was funded by local Councillors on the Inner South Area Committee.
