The renovations has uncovered old memorabilia from the 1930s- present day.
Hyde Park Picture House is currently undergoing mass renovations to restore the Grade II listed building to introduce modern amenities that bring the building into the 21st century whilst preserving and protecting its history for generations to come to appreciate.
One year has now passed since work began on the building, thanks to a successful £285,600 Capital Kickstart Fund award from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the government’s Culture Recovery Fun.
In this time, the builders have discovered far more than peeled paint and old pipes during the restoration- the building has uncovered nostalgic ticket stubs, sweets, even cigarettes from over 60 years ago.
Image: HPPH
As part of the #TreasureTrashTuesday segment on the Picture Houses' Instagram page, the company shares hidden treasures uncovered during the renovations.
Hyde Park Picture House said: "As work continues on the #PictureHouseProject, we’ve been uncovering all sorts of wonderful rubbish from the cinema’s past – trash that had fallen through the cracks long ago and has only now been found.
"As well as keeping hold of everything we find, we also wanted to share our discoveries with you, as we think they provide a really unique window into what was audiences were up to in the cinema all those decades ago."
Image: HPPH
Sharing their first find, they shared a packet of Wild Woodbine Cigarettes noted: "For our first #TreasureTrashTuesday we wanted to share this packet of Wild Woodbine Cigarettes. Hugely popular throughout the 20th century, particularly among the working-class and soldiers during both the First and Second World Wars, we think this packet was likely dropped in the 1930s/40s."
The page has since shared everything from old bingo tickets to Fruit Pastel sweets, each with an explanation as to why they would have been in the building, from what era and even some original adverts dating back decades.
Image: HPPH
The exciting finds have attracted users of all ages to reminisce or imagine the exciting finds in their former life at the Picture House.
The renovations continue to excite followers each week whilst the multi-million-pound scheme to safeguard the cinema’s nationally significant heritage is taking place.
On site, the repair and conservation of its unique gas-lamps, iconic Burmantofts tiled façade, original terrazzo flooring and Grade II listed exterior lamppost are all being considered.
The renovation plans also hope to introduce a new ramped entrance, accessible toilets, an expanded foyer and new 52 seat basement screen. This also means the cinema’s capacity and accessibility will be greatly improved.
Image: HPPH
The renovations aren't expected to be completed until Autumn 2022, so the Picture House is currently 'On The Road' and offering viewings at the likes of Leeds University Union as an alternative cinema space whilst the work is underway.
Currently donning a blue and yellow scaffolding in support of Ukraine, the cinema will be donating ticket sales of a range of movies to the UNHCR Refugee Agency Emergency Appeal, which aids Ukrainians that are forced to flee their homes in search of shelter and safety.
To keep up to date with the project, you can watch the progress on The Picture House Project website, where more details of the Heritage Lottery Fund can be found.
Alternatively if you're more interested in pondering over the incredible gems being uncovered each week, make sure to follow the Hyde Park Picture House Instagram page.
Feature Image- Hyde Park Picture House (HPPH)
News
Retail giant Uniqlo delays opening date for new Leeds store
It's official, Uniqlo is making its way to Leeds. Well, it's about time isn't it?
You may remember last June that murmurings of Uniqlo opening in Leeds were happening.
The news spread after planning documents appeared for new ‘Uniqlo’ signage on the Store House building on Briggate.
We've been keeping our fingers crossed that the news was actually true, and it is.
Uniqlo themselves have confirmed that three new stores will be popping up across the UK over the next two years, with one of them being right here in Leeds.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Their first store of the roll-out opened in Birmingham's Bullring, followed by a new store in Bristol this year.
Leeds was also meant to open this year, but unfortunately, Uniqlo has announced things are delayed and its opening will be pushed into 2027.
The Leeds store will be 1,100 square metres and will be located on Briggate in the old House of Fraser site.
CGI mockups from firms Thirty One Design and Ink Associates include the glass fronted store with Uniqlo’s signature red signage hanging above the door and off the building.
These will be made from sheet metal with a “sprayed finish” – sounds pretty swanky if you ask us.
Uniqlo UK COO Alessandro Dudech stated: "Uniqlo remains committed to strengthening its presence within the UK retail sector by expanding both our physical store network and ecommerce capabilities nationwide.
"As part of this strategic initiative, we look forward to introducing Uniqlo to the communities and visitors in the North of England, at the new Leeds location and simultaneously reaching customers in the South West in Bristol's Cabot Circus.".
Uniqlo is known for its affordable and minimalist clothing, stocking everything from raincoats and puffer jackets to jeans and a wide range of accessories.
We’ll keep you updated on the timeframe, as to be honest we’re just as excited as you are to be welcoming Uniqlo to the high street.
Police urgently appeal after teenage boy was stabbed in Leeds over bank holiday weekend
Emily Sergeant
Detectives are appealing for witnesses after a teenage boy was stabbed in Leeds over the bank holiday weekend.
West Yorkshire Police explained that officers were called out to Roundhay Road at around at 6:05pm on Monday 31 August following reports that a 13-year-old boy had been stabbed, and once they arrived on the scene, the victim was located and subsequently taken to hospital, where he received treatment for an injury described as non-life-threatening.
Police say the incident occurred near to the Leeds West Indian Carnival, but are keen to assure the public that they believe this was an 'isolated and targeted' act.
Following further enquiries, it is now believed that the actual offence occurred on Shepherd’s Lane, potentially near the junction with Back Hares Avenue.
Investigating officers have released information on the suspect and identified several people they are keen to speak to.
As the police investigation is ongoing, Detective Chief Inspector Scott Hartley commented: "This is clearly a concerning incident in which a young teenage boy has suffered a significant stab wound.
"We have extensive enquiries ongoing, including house to house enquiries and reviewing CCTV. We are conscious though that this offence has occurred near to the Leeds West Indian Carnival and there will have been a large number of people in the vicinity who may not necessarily be from the Chapeltown area.
“The suspect for this offence is described as being male, around 15-16 years-old and was wearing a balaclava. He was with two girls. We are keen to speak to anyone who believes they may have seen this group in the area or who witnessed any part of this incident.
"Although this was a serious incident, our enquiries so far suggest it was an isolated and targeted act... [and] we remain focused on identifying those responsible and providing reassurance to the community."
Can you help? Anyone with information is asked to contact Leeds CID online, or by calling 101, quoting crime reference 13260496572.
Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Sophie Smith -
24th March 2022 
