Councillors’ thumbs up for Golden Acre Park cafe plans (From Wharfedale Observer)

Councillors’ thumbs up for Golden Acre Park cafe plans

9:00am Tuesday 29th January 2013 in Local news

Plans for a major transformation of the cafe at Golden Acre Park have been welcomed by local councillors.

The scheme, which will cost more than £150,000, will see a new conservatory added to the existing building. There will also be improved toilet facilities for disabled visitors and baby changing facilities.

The project will be funded through a partnership with local company Franklin Windows who are providing £100,000 worth of work in return for sponsorship benefits at the park and cafe.

The plans have been approved by Leeds City Council’s Executive Board and will go before planners in the next few weeks.

Adel and Wharfedale councillor Clive Fox said: “As it is at the moment this popular cafe is very cramped, providing limited facilities for customers.

“The problem has been that with all the financial cut-backs it has proved difficult for the council to give high priority to spending money on improving and expanding the place.  “To have the council working in partnership with a local company who are prepared to cover a large part of the cost as part of a sponsorship deal makes good sense in the present financial climate.  “Without the sponsorship it could have been years before anything was done to enhance the building which an important part of the visitor experience for the thousands who visit Golden Acre every year.”

Fellow Adel and Wharfedale councillor Barry Anderson added: “It is good to see both the improvements to the café, which could increase revenue for the Council, and also the proposals to make the café more accessible by providing the changing places and toilet facilities.

“This multi-faceted scheme will be a big boost to the park and having spoken to local residents about the scheme I know that broadly speaking it has their support. I look forward to seeing the new café in operation.”