Thwaite Watermill will not be leased by Leeds Museums and Galleries from 2025
But you can have your say on the heritage building's future.
The news was announced as part of a money-saving strategy last month when Leeds City Council released a statement, naming an increase to council tax, end museum leases and add car parking charges to local parks as ways that Leeds City Council proposes to save next year onwards.
The proposal suggested ways to save some £58.4 million for the year ahead, and exiting the lease with Thwaite Watermill five years earlier than planned is reported to see 'savings in the range of £650,000-750,000 over the next five years original lease due to end 2030'.
Image: Leeds Museum & Galleries
The site has been noted to have low visitor figures, with 9,502 having visited Thwaite Watermill in 2022, this only makes up 1% of all Leeds Museum and Galleries visitors.
The attraction has been open since 1990, but with Leeds City Council have made the decision not to renew the lease in 2025, rather than its original date of 2030.
The site is currently leased from Canal and River Trust who own the property and this means that there is now a chance to have your say about what Thwaite Watermill could be in the future.
Leeds City Council is asking those interested to fill out a five-minute form with two simple questions: 'considering the opening statement and the Council’s financial challenge, do you agree with the proposal for Leeds Museums & Galleries to end its lease and cease operating the site?' and 'If Leeds City Council were to hand the site back to Canal and River Trust, what would you like to see for the future of the site?'
There is ample opportunity to give further evidence or explanations to your answer, as well as share your own memories, how often you've visited previously and some personal details as part of the questionnaire.
Silver's Deli is opening up a sister shop, and this time it's about everything baked.
We all know and love Silver's Deli for their stacked subs and breakfast sandwiches that could cure any hangover no matter how severe.
They're so good, that they even bagged the coveted Uber Eats Restaurant of the Year Award last year.
And rightly so, because Silver's is absolutely class.
And it seems there's just no stopping Silver's, as they've just announced that they'll be opening a sister shop named Silver's Bakehouse serving up everything, yep you guessed it, baked.
It'll also be in Farsley where the original Silver's is, and they're labelling the new venture as 'your neighbourhood bake shop'.
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, Silver's Deli said: "Well it’s happening. I said no more shops, but it’s kinda necessary, and I just love all things baked.
"There’s waaaaaaaaay too many details to share on this right now, but go give our sister shop @silvers_bakehouse a new follow and hold on tight. This is gonna be fun as fuck."
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Customers can expect a wider range of Silver's goodies that they're unable to whip up in the current space. From soft amaretti biscuits and their famous cookies to sausage rolls and brownies that the team have been working on for 12 months.
We're in no doubt that this venture is going to be absolutely brilliant, and you best believe we'll be first in line to try one of those brownies.
Silver's Bakehouse will be located on Town Street in Farsley and is expected to open this May.
Behind the doors of a former church that has been renovated into a beautiful home in North Yorkshire
Clementine Hall
Nestled in the North Yorkshire countryside, Fell View Chapel dates all the way back to 1846.
Ever wanted to live in an abandoned church? Well, now's your chance.
This former Methodist Church dates all the way back to 1846 and has all the original features to match.
If you can look past the possible ghosts that may be lurking, this one-of-a-kind property can be yours for just £450,000.
Image: Rightmove via Harvey Brooks
Step through the original church door and you'll be met by a striking open-plan living space with a fully functioning log burner to keep you warm through the winter months, complete with a beautiful contemporary kitchen which has been renovated to the highest spec.
The floating first floor features a glass landing that overlooks the ground floor below, and of course there's stunning stained glass windows throughout the property.
Image: Rightmove via Harvey Brooks
This architectural conversion has taken five years to complete and there's been no expense spared, the pulpit and pews have even been kept to really keep that churchy vibe.
Here's what the listing says: "Welcome to The Old Methodist Church, originally built in 1846 and beautifully transformed over the past five years into a truly exceptional home.
"This remarkable conversion seamlessly blends contemporary living with the building’s historic charm, creating a residence that is both striking and deeply characterful.
Image: Rightmove via Harvey Brooks
"Every detail has been tastefully and skilfully executed, carefully preserving original features while introducing modern design and comfort. The stained glass windows, original pulpit and pews remain as stunning focal points — a real marvel and a tribute to the building’s heritage."
Sophie Smith -
8th January 2024 
