Reimagining Yeadon Town Hall
Yeadon Town Hall Community Interest Company (CIC) officially takes over the iconic 140-year-old building from Leeds City Council from 1st April 2019.
The new management team has exciting plans for the regeneration. This includes full refurbishment and modernisation throughout the building and providing a new entertainment programme, including producing and curating a variety of shows and events to serve the wider community
With the help of Key Fund, a Sheffield-based social enterprise investment company, and a significant contribution from Leeds City Council Heritage Fund, Yeadon Town Hall CIC has been able to secure the funding needed to begin making the improvements.
Works will include carrying out major redecoration throughout the building – including replacing flooring and curtains, refurbishing the
kitchen and bathroom facilities and revamping the bar area to provide a
larger and more welcoming space for patrons to enjoy a pre-show drink.
Practical considerations include refurbishing the 90-year-old heating system and improving the main auditorium by increasing the stage depth, introducing new stage rigging equipment and adding professional stage flooring. There are also plans to create additional dressing rooms and backstage areas, a new accessible reception desk and Box Office that will be open during the day and before events, and a VIP lounge bar to
provide a luxurious area for VIP guests to enjoy.
The improvement work will respect and preserve the building’s heritage. The landmark clock tower and its clock faces will be restored, in addition to major repair work to the roof, exterior walls and the stunning stained glass windows. The original double height Victorian ceilings and stained glass windows in the bar area will be revealed, creating an entirely unique space. Care will also be taken to ensure decoration throughout the building complements the historical architecture, providing a characterful ambiance with a nod to Yeadon Town Hall’s impressive heritage
Jamie Hudson, Director of Yeadon Town Hall CIC, says: “The local community is as passionate as we are about preserving the Town Hall and ensuring it is fit for purpose for many years to come. The refurbishment will take a lot of time, money and dedication but we hope to have the building restored to its former glory by the end of 2020. In the meantime, wherever possible the building will continue to be functional, providing quality entertainment from across the UK.”
For over a century the Town Hall has been standing proud in the centre of Yeadon. It has previously been used as a public baths, council chambers, library, school rooms, cinema and a concert hall. In recent years, since its 1998 refurbishment, Yeadon Town Hall has been predominantly used as the theatre and arts venues we all know and love today. Many of its other rooms function as space available to hire for the local community. The current mix of tenants include a pre-school, writers’ groups and amateur theatre societies.
The new takeover will continue to serve the local community, providing quality space in the heart of the town for groups and businesses to hire.
The predominant focus, however, will continue to be the events showcased in the main auditorium. Yeadon Town Hall CIC has already planned a variety of one-night entertainment shows, ranging from tribute nights to classical concerts
The highlight of this year’s programme will be shows produced by Yeadon Town Hall – a feature that is only anticipated to grow and become more prominent over the forthcoming years. The Town Hall will aim to produce and tour original shows, as well as welcoming other production companies. Original 2019 shows produced by Yeadon Town Hall and resident theatre company Futurist Productions include A Night at the Musicals in July, Mr Montgomery’s Circus Spectacular in August and of course the annual Christmas Spectacular coming up in December, which is fast becoming a highlight for many people in the run-up to Christmas. Yeadon Town Hall will also introduce the world premiere of The Carole King Songbook from 13th-15th June, before the show embarks on a countrywide tour throughout 2019/20
Jamie continues: “Our programme of events includes something for everyone. Families will enjoy our musical cabaret show, A Night at the Musicals and of course our Circus Spectacular is ideal entertainment for those looking for fun activities during the summer holidays. We’re also catering for music fans and classical concert-goers, and have many exciting plans on the horizon including the introduction of Yeadon Town Hall cinema screenings and regular comedy nights. Watch this space!”
The group are hoping to raise an additional £100,000 to contribute to the improvements, that will ensure the building continues to be utilised and enjoyed by the wider community for many years to come. From sponsoring a plaque on the Town Hall’s Wall of Fame to larger corporate sponsorship opportunities, Yeadon Town Hall CIC welcome any level of contribution from the community. It also hopes both regular and new visitors to Yeadon Town Hall will support upcoming events at the venue.
For more information on the restoration and to find out what’s on at Yeadon Town Hall, visit www.yeadontownhall.co.uk or contact Box Office on 0333 666 33 66.