Leeds Heritage Open Days offer free admission and guided tours to a host of heritage buildings – some not normally open to the public – with walks and activities throughout the city. And South Leeds is playing its part!
The Garden Gate Pub in Hunslet was built in 1902 and is a Grade 2* building. The terracotta panels, moulded glazed tiles together with original bar and partitions make it a good example of a smaller Gin Palace. refreshments will be available . It’s open all day from Thursday 8 to Sunday 11 – pop in for a look?
Built in 1837, the Garde 2 listed Hunslet Baptist Church retains many of its original features. The building is due to undergo major renovation work, so take advanatage of this opportunity to see it before the main worship area is re-ordered. It’s open Friday 9 from 11am-3pm and Saturday 10 (11am-4pm). Contact 682 2271.
There are tours around historic Morley Town Hall on Saturday Sep 10 at 10am and 2pm. Details 247 4370.
Leeds Bridge House, based on Hunslet Road, plays host to Leeds Buddhist Centre. It has a unique triangular plan – enjoy fantastic riverscape views from the original windows and beautiful spaces inside. It opens Friday and Saturday Sep 9 and 10 (10am-5pm). Contact 244 5256.
The Church of the Holy Spirit off Tempest Road/Stratford Street in Beeston Hill is a large Anglo-Catholic building in the Gothic Revival tradition with fine carved furnishings and works of art. There will be a treasure hunt – 20 things to find in church. It’s open 1pm-4pm on Saturday Sep 10. Contact 277 2464.
There’s also a walk entitled ‘Holbeck: Cradle of the industrial revolution‘. See our wonderful heritage such as the Egyptian Temple Mill, the Italianate chimneys of Tower Works and Matthew Murray’s Round Foundry, now transformed into an ‘urban village’. Meet on Leeds Bridge, beyond Lower Briggate, starts 11am on Saturday Sep 10. Contact 243 9594 for details.
There’s an exhibition called ‘South Leeds – a huge opportunity’ on 17-19 Wharf Street, Leeds 2, from Thursday Sep 8 until Saturday Sat 10 (10am-1pm) and on Sunday Sep 11 (1.30pm-3pm). See suggested plans for development to the south of the river – including the former Tetley’s site – which organsers say is an area ‘with huge potential’. Details 243 9594.
Heritage Open Days 2011 is promoted by Leeds Civic Trust in association with Leeds City Council. There are dozens of events being held across the city.
