A £173,000 scheme to upgrade facilities at Bramhope’s Golden Acre Park has been approved.

Leeds City Council’s executive board last week gave the go-ahead for the revamp, which will see a new conservatory extension added and more accessible toilets installed at the park’s cafe.

The project is being funded through a partnership with local firm Franklin Windows, who will provide £100,000 of work in return for sponsorship benefits at the park and cafe.

The improvements will increase the number of customers who can be seated indoors to 86, by transforming the current outdoor terrace patio into a 40-place conservatory. The lower patio area, meanwhile, will be kept and altered so it can continue to provide 80 outdoor places.

The new-look toilets will include baby-changing and disabled facilities.

Councillor Barry Anderson (Con, Adel & Wharfedale) said he was delighted to see further investment coming to Golden Acre Park, and was certain the changes would prove a hit with visitors.

He said: “Prior to the scheme being put before the executive board I received a full briefing on the proposals. I consulted with my residents and the response I received was very positive on the additions to the bakery, and the facilities this would provide.

“I welcome this type of innovative project as a way of getting funding into council assets which residents can benefit from. It is a good example of partnership working.

“The cafe is well-used and the upgrade will make visiting extremely pleasant for everyone, and the upgraded toilet facilities for the disabled and those with learning disabilities will provide a better experience, and more space for these visitors.”

Golden Acre is one of Leeds’s busiest parks and the improvements are designed to help it better cope with high visitor numbers during peak times. Under the arrangement, the toilets will be funded by Leeds City Council and cost £45,000, while the local authority is also making a £28,000 contribution towards materials for the conservatory.

Planning consent for the proposals is expected to be given by the end of January.