Repairs start at historic house

Most of the first floor and some of the ground floor will be office space

Repair work is to start on an historic building in Leeds even though its future use is still in doubt.

Leeds City Council is spending £1m on renovating the exterior of the 200-year-old grade II listed Mansion House in Roundhay Park.

The building has been used for functions, such as weddings.

Now the council wants to convert part of it into offices - a plan opposed by many people in the city, including Roundhay resident Sir Jimmy Savile.

The work will be carried out using traditional techniques on the building's roof, chimneys, external stonework and woodwork.

Former glory

Leeds City Council says no interior work will take place until the consultation on the plans is concluded.

Opponents have welcomed the restoration but claim the conversion will deny public access to many parts of the historic building.

Campaigning group Friends of Roundhay Park says it is adamantly against plans to convert a large proportion to council offices.

The council insists its main concern is to restore the building to its former glory and secure its future as an attraction.

It says approximately half of the house will be completely open to the public and the staff areas on the second floor will still be accessible, as most officers will be dealing with the public.

The external repair work is expected to be completed in about 40 weeks.