A derelict pub will get a new lease of life when it re-opens as a community arts and music studio at the end of the month.

The Woolpack, in Otley, is being transformed by community interest company, the Big Hoo-Ha, with the help of a £64,000 grant.

And when the work is completed, the pub, in Bondgate, will be taken over by group projects involving the arts and music for young, old and disabled people.

The grant for the Big Hoo-Ha has come from the Arts Council and will enable the company to buy equipment to run the projects, focussing particularly on young people and disabled and learning-disabled groups.

The pub has been derelict since 2009 and Richard Sabey, a former lawyer who founded the non-profit Big Hoo-Ha in 1999, said the group had recently taken it over to turn it into the new studio.

“This is great news for developing the Woolpack into a high-quality community music and arts venue,” he said.

“We consider ourselves fortunate to have received a grant in the current climate.

“The grant means we can fully equip the recording studio, and eight workstations in our education rooms for film making and music technology.

“The Woolpack Music Arts and Studios will also have a completely soundproof band practice/rehearsal room, with a drum kit provided, as well as a large visual arts studio.

“All of the rooms will be available for hire as well as being used to run our own projects.

“We will be putting together a programme of activities.”

Planners gave the go-ahead to convert the pub, which former owners Enterprise Inns put up for sale in 2009, last July. The Grade II Listed Building started serving beer in the 1800s.

For more information about the Big Hoo-Ha go to bighooha.co.uk.

  • Read the full story in Tuesday's T&A