Plans approved for park's Mansion

The Mansion is in the middle of Roundhay Park

New plans for the restoration of one of the most famous buildings in Leeds have been approved by councillors.

The original proposals for the Mansion in Roundhay Park, which were put on hold in May 2004, would have restricted public access to the building.

Restaurant and function facilities are now to be retained alongside a visitor centre and offices for estate managers.

Work should start on the 200-year-old building in April 2006 with completion by July 2007.

Exciting plans

The outside of the building has already been given a facelift and asbestos is being removed.

John Procter, councillor in charge of leisure services at Leeds City Council, said: "The new plans for the Mansion are really exciting now that they meet the needs of all users of the park and house and maintain a significant area accessible to the public."

The architect, John Clarke of York, was commissioned by the then owners of the park to build the Mansion in 1811.

The classical-style building on one of the highest points in Roundhay, passed into public hands when the park was bought by the Leeds Corporation.