Decision details

The purpose of the report is to seek an endorsement from Executive Board to the principle of continuing the process of improving Tropical World, and to pursue significant changes at Home Farm  and Lotherton Hall Bird Garden. The report will;

•  Highlight conceptual design proposals developed to date;

•  Summarise the rationale for development at each site, including an analysis of any pre development consultation outcomes;

•  Identify priority work elements and the phasing of each proposed development;

•  And include an indicative programme of when work is scheduled to take place.

Given the scale of change proposed this decision is considered key given that it will have a significant effect on communities in more than one ward.

The Director of Environment and Housing submitted a report which sought support to the principle of continuing the process of improving attractions at Tropical World, Home Farm and Lotherton Hall Bird Garden. In addition, the report also highlighted the discussions which had taken place regarding the potential to develop an aerial adventure course within Roundhay Park.

Members highlighted the improved offer that the proposals would deliver, and noted how investment in such visitor attractions was able to act as a catalyst for growth in income, and as such making the facilities more sustainable.

In considering the proposals, Members discussed matters including associated consultation exercises, accessibility to the facilities, whilst in response to an enquiry, it was noted that the provision of parking facilities at the three sites would be taken into consideration when progressing the proposals.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the principle of incurring expenditure to an estimated value of £3.1m in order to deliver the improvements to attractions which are outlined in the submitted report be approved, and that each phase of development at each site be subject to separate approvals, once detailed design and cost estimates are in place;

(b)  That the Chief Officer Parks and Countryside be requested:

(i)  To implement proposals outlined in the submitted report that will continue the themed development of the visitor attraction elements of the Arnold and Marjorie Ziff Tropical World;

(ii)  To enter into an agreement with ‘Go Ape’ regarding the establishment of an aerial adventure concession within Roundhay Park and to support the development of a detailed design from which planning consent is to be sought;

(iii)  To develop plans and gain any necessary consent that may be required in order to implement the proposals outlined in the submitted report relating to the development of Lotherton Hall Bird Garden; and

(iv)  To develop plans and gain any necessary consent that may be required in order to implement the proposals outlined in the submitted report relating to the development of Home Farm Temple Newsam.

Specific consultations have been undertaken for the developments proposed at Tropical World and Lotherton Hall. Ongoing consultation with members of the public using Home Farm remains ongoing. 

Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Environment and Sustainability

Temple Newsam Ward Members

Roundhay Ward Members

Harewood Ward Members