THE closure of a civic hall is being proposed as a Council battles unprecedented pressures on its finances.

Pudsey Civic Hall has been described as a “financial drain” on Leeds City Council and a consultation has been launched to gather people’s views on the proposal.

In outlining the reasons it wants to close the civic hall, the Council said it is “facing significant financial challenges”.

“Inflation and the cost-of-living crisis have driven up our costs, and we’re continuing to experience huge increases in demand for our services, especially those that support some of the city’s most vulnerable adults and children,” it said in a statement on the proposed closure.

“We have continued to protect frontline services as much as possible but the scale of the pressures on our financial position is unprecedented.

“We’ve already cut costs where we can – for example, through a freeze where possible on recruitment and non-essential spend – but this isn’t enough.

“The budget proposals we’re presenting therefore include service and staffing reductions, fee increases and new charges, building closures and sales, and reduced hours of operation.

“Pudsey Civic Hall is one of the buildings that we are proposing to close because it does not make enough money.

“The venue also has investment needs to ensure that it remains attractive to event organisers given that the building lacks facilities necessary to operate as a profitable business. The Council is not in a position to meet these needs.”

The Council highlighted the consultation relates only to the civic hall – the closure of Pudsey Town Hall is not being considered. You can share your views by clicking here.

“Pudsey Civic Hall promotes ballroom, line and Jive dance sessions, tribute nights, wrestling and bodybuilding competitions as well as various other events,” said Leeds City Council.

“It also holds conferences, meetings, training, and blood donor sessions.

“Pudsey Civic Hall is also the home for ArtForms, the Council's music and arts service which works with children, young people, families and schools.

“Should Pudsey Civic Hall close, ArtForms will continue to provide its services at alternative venues in the city including the refurbished Leeds Town Hall which will have improved access provision.

“The venue is consistently failing to meet income targets and is a financial drain on the Council.

“This is because the venue relies on income from the car park. Before the Covid-19 pandemic the car park was partly let out to nearby employers.

“Since the pandemic and because of changing working patterns, employers no longer need access to the car park, so this income has been lost.

“The new, free car park at New Pudsey station has also reduced the amount of money that the Council makes from the car park.”