The new Lakeside Centre at Middleton Park has finally opened its doors…well actually, lifted its shutters to be precise. And what impressive shutters they are, quite a strange sight to behold, the ‘old’ of the wood been raised on ‘new’ hydraulic pistons in a beautifully graceful ballet. I can almost imagine the building awakening…
The building, with its sleek wooden exterior and sedum roof nestles at lakeside near the site of the former ‘top of the woods’ cafe, much loved and missed since its closure in 1997 (oh how the time flies!). It’s the perfect spot to sit and take in the lake view, so I for one am thrilled that it includes a new cafe – open Monday to Friday 10.15-2.15pm. I expect many parks users will welcome the opportunity to include a warming cuppa and light snack into their visit.
As well as the cafe, the centre provides an attractive space for schools, colleges and local interest groups to make use of. The Friends of Middleton Park will be hosting their regular activities there. It has already seen a Christmas craft event and a winter walk. More details of their winter programme is available on their website.
Work continues on the band stand and outdoor seating, which will be a focus for the popular summer activities. Eagle eyed visitors will also have spotted the model horse gin currently been installed beside the centre – more to follow on this curious feature later!
Graeme Ashton, Estates Officer and advocate for Middleton hopes that the new centre will help put Middleton on the map and attract visitors from across the city and beyond to enjoy its woodland, wildlife and archaeology.
Gayle Graham from Friends of Middleton Park hopes that the centre will encourage more people to make use of the park and see it as “their space”.
Anyone interested in using the centre can contact Graeme by email at graeme.ashton@leeds.gov.uk
This article was written by Tree Marshall using our Community Reporters website at www.communityreporters.sllife.leeds11.com
