The final designs for a motor neurone treatment centre named after rugby legend Rob Burrow have been revealed.
The new site which will be based at Seacroft Hospital, is hoped to be the flagship centre for care provision in the north.
The final plans show how the new centre will feature a central courtyard, large internal rooms and shared communal spaces for patients and families.
The former rugby league star was diagnosed with MND in 2019.
Since then, Rob and his ex-Rhinos captain Kevin Sinfield have been raising awareness and funds for those suffering with the disease.
This includes funds for the new state-of-the-art treatment centre.
Image: Leeds Hospitals Charity
So far, an incredible £5.4 million has been raised towards Leeds Hospitals Charity target of £6.8m.
The facility will include an east and west wing which will house the main clinical space connected via a central atrium.
The first floor will include a staff area to provide a space away from clinical areas, whilst the central space will be a community focused area for families to observe patients in a relaxed setting.
Image: Leeds Hospitals Charity
There will be quiet reading spaces, dining areas as well as activity rooms.
Leeds Hospital Charity have said the centre will utilise the surrounding landscape of trees and will also include new landscaped gardens.
The plans have now been submitted to Leeds City Council.
Esther Wakeman, CEO Leeds Hospitals Charity, said:“This is an important milestone in our journey to build the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease here in Leeds. I have met with many patients and their families, including Rob, who have helped us share the importance of this new centre.
"Thank you to everyone who has fundraised, we’re almost at the finish line, with £1.5million left to reach our fundraising target. I hope these designs and plans show our supporters how their donation will be spent to make a real difference"
Otley has announced its intention to bid to become UK Town of Culture 2028.
Entering into the national competition launched by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), the West Yorkshire town is hoping to be the first-ever town to claim the title.
The Town of Culture competition invites towns across the UK to showcase their cultural story and develop ambitious programmes that celebrate local heritage, creativity, and communities.
The winning town receives a £3 million grant from the Government to deliver a major year-long cultural programme in 2028 designed to boost civic pride, attract visitors, and provide everyone with the opportunity to participate in cultural activities.
Their bid is focused around the Otley 800, a year-long programme that will mark the 800th anniversary of the granting of the Royal Market Charter in 1227 and the bridge over the River Wharfe in 1228.
These two historic moments transformed Otley into the bustling market town that it is today, so it deserves to be recognised.
Work has been going on behind the scenes for the past two years, with the council and Otley BID working with residents to put plans in place for the special year.
More than 70 organisations have been involved.
Mayor of Otley Cllr Paul Carter said: “Otley has always been a town that punches above its weight. This bid is about celebrating our history, but also about investing in our future — creating opportunities for our community, raising our profile and making sure Otley continues to thrive for the next 800 years.”
The shortlist for UK Town of Culture 2028 is set to be announced later this year, with each chosen town receiving £60,000 to help deliver their full bids for the competition. Fingers crossed!
Permission granted for new ‘Corn Exchange Pavilion’ to be built in Leeds city centre
Clementine Hall
The green light has been given for a brand-new pavilion to be built outside the Corn Exchange in Leeds city centre.
Yesterday, Tuesday 31 March, the planning committee of Leeds City Council officially gave the green light to plans submitted by CX Leeds Ltd.
These include plans to build a pavilion outside the Corn Exchange, one of Leeds' most iconic city centre landmarks.
The new building will go where that rather underwhelming patch of astroturf currently lays, in front of the Cornucopia mural and next to the bus shelter.
It lies between New Market Street and Crown Street.
DEN Architecture state that the materials selected will create an intriguing single-storey structure that compliments the surrounding area.
They stated: “The scale of the building and roof form of the proposal pays tribute to the previous tram and bus shelters that once occupied the site.
"While retaining the appropriately subservient nature of any new building in close proximity to the Corn Exchange. This will also provide greater visibility of the Cornucopia Mural.
“The building has been designed following extensive and thorough analysis, with a clear understanding of the built environment and the area’s historic significance.”
It's not yet been decided upon what the building's use will be, although Leeds city council suggests it could be used for "outdoor functions, shops and cafes".
When first put forward to the council back in December 2024, the plans were met with three objections from the public.
So, what would you like to see go into this new space?
Clementine Hall -
19th February 2024 
