Company submits 'jungle classroom' plans for park

A tropical-themed visitor attraction could be created in a public park in Leeds, under new plans.

The proposal would see a disused visitor centre and glasshouse at Pudsey Park transformed into a cafe and "jungle classroom".

Fruit bats and lizards would be free to roam in the new facility if JungleBox Ltd is granted planning permission by Leeds City Council.

The scheme would bring the visitor centre back into use after it was shut down in 2020.

A design report said the glasshouse would be planted with exotic rainforest trees.

It said: "Animals such as fruit bats, birds, lizards and other exotic species free roam in the jungle.

"The smells, the humid heat, the sights and sounds all transport you to another world."

JungleBox said it was seeking an agreement with the council for a rent-free period in order to pay for an upgrade of insulation and heating systems.

The report said: "We request a period of time where rent will be zero. This period is three years.

"This concession is required because during our first period of occupancy income will be low and we desire to concentrate all of our funding on the development of the collection and our efforts to open the facility in good order."

The council was also asked to carry out repairs to make the existing building watertight, the report said.

A new cafe at the site would raise funds to pay for maintenance and plant care, according to the application.

The full planning application is being considered by the council and is out for consultation until 18 February, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

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