Plans revealed to convert 100-year-old cow shed into indoor play centre at Temple Newsam's Home Farm

An old cow byre, that was built more than 100 years ago, will be converted into an indoor play centre, café and shop at Temple Newsam’s Home Farm.
By Emma Ryan
Published 24th Feb 2022, 12:02 BST
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The cow byre and its surrounding buildings were used as a milking parlour to provide clean tuberculin-tested milk to hospitals in Leeds and by the 1940s, had Shorthorn cows producing over 70,000 gallons of milk each year.

The council stopped dairy farming in 1968 and the building had various other uses, including, being a vehicle depot for the council’s parks department and home to West Yorkshire Police’s stables in the 1970s.

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But the building fell into disrepair and it was apparent urgent repairs were needed and a new use found for the building that could respect its original design and history.

A concept design of the new play area and café that is being proposed as part of plans which will see an old cow byre converted into an indoor play centre, café and shop at Temple Newsam’s Home Farm.A concept design of the new play area and café that is being proposed as part of plans which will see an old cow byre converted into an indoor play centre, café and shop at Temple Newsam’s Home Farm.
A concept design of the new play area and café that is being proposed as part of plans which will see an old cow byre converted into an indoor play centre, café and shop at Temple Newsam’s Home Farm.

Now, 100 years on from when it was first built, a new development will take the place of the old cow byre which will see two new play areas developed, a comfy café offering drinks and light meals and a shop.

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Plans to revamp Temple Newsam farm – but entry fees also set to increase

The new development, due to open in late autumn, will have two play areas, one in the original milking parlour, suitable for up to 12 year-olds and the second area for toddlers which will be situated in a purpose built extension to the rear yard. Both areas will take inspiration from the farm and the park bringing the great outdoors inside.

Coun Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for public health and active lifestyles said: “I am so pleased to see that this fascinating old building will be given a new lease of life offering families a place to come along and enjoy for many years to come.

The cow byre and surrounding buildings were built over 100 years ago and were used as a milking parlour to provide clean tuberculin-tested milk to the hospitals in Leeds. Now a new development will see two new play areas developed, a comfy café offering drinks and light meals and a shop.The cow byre and surrounding buildings were built over 100 years ago and were used as a milking parlour to provide clean tuberculin-tested milk to the hospitals in Leeds. Now a new development will see two new play areas developed, a comfy café offering drinks and light meals and a shop.
The cow byre and surrounding buildings were built over 100 years ago and were used as a milking parlour to provide clean tuberculin-tested milk to the hospitals in Leeds. Now a new development will see two new play areas developed, a comfy café offering drinks and light meals and a shop.
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"Creating more indoor space for people to enjoy at Home Farm was a key finding from a public consultation we did last year so we are excited to move this project forward and deliver on this commitment.

“I am looking forward to following the progress of this project and to visiting in autumn once the scheme is complete.”

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Related topics:Salma ArifLeedsWest Yorkshire PoliceLeeds UnitedLeeds City Council