Much-loved south Leeds community building set to get protected status
A much-loved venue will get protected status after a successful bid from a Rothwell community group.
Leeds City Council will add Blackburn Hall, a former cinema and now a food bank location, to its list of assets of community value (ACVs).
ACV status means community groups are given the right to bid for land or buildings if they are put up for sale.
The council-owned property on Commercial Street will be listed as an ACV following a nomination from Rothwell Neighbourhood Forum.
A council report said: “Blackburn Hall has a long-established place in the social and cultural life of Rothwell.
“Originally operating in the early twentieth century as the Empire Cinema, it later functioned as a dance hall before evolving into its current role as a community hall.”
The report said vulnerable households facing hardship used a regular food bank operated from the hall.
A monthly community cafe called “Hug in a Mug” also attracted around 100 visitors per session.
The report said: “In addition, Blackburn Hall is used for a free school holiday activity club, providing accessible activities for children and young people during school holidays.
“This supports families, promotes well-being, and ensures inclusive access to activities regardless of household income.”
More recently, a community cinema was providing film screenings at the venue, the report said.
It said: “These screenings provide affordable cultural opportunities and shared social experiences for residents and have already generated positive community engagement.”
Ward councillors including Liberal Democrat leader Stewart Golton supported the ACV nomination.
It means that if the building was put up for sale, the process would be paused for six months while a community bid to raise funds to buy it was drawn up.