COUNCIL TO BUY 
HISTORIC HALL

Wakefield Council has agreed to purchase the historic Bretton Hall from Leeds University.

The sale will keep the building in public ownership, and protect the future of the award-winning Yorkshire Sculpture Park which is in the hall grounds.

The University has already announced that it will be leaving the building in 2007.

Councillor Phil Dobson, Deputy Leader of Wakefield Council, said: "This is an extremely important building, and directly impacts on the future of the Yorkshire Sculpture Park.

"By agreeing the purchase with the university, we will keep Bretton Hall in public ownership, and protect its future use so that it does not conflict with the sculpture park."

The Council and the University have held detailed discussions, and hope to complete the sale in the near future. The University will continue to use the building until the end of the 2006/07academic year.

Councillor Dobson added: "We have moved swiftly to secure a valuable asset for the District.

"Now its future ownership is secured, we can use the building and grounds in an appropriate way that will benefit the people of the District."

University of Leeds Pro-Vice-Chancellor for learning and teaching Professor Alan Pearman said: "We're delighted Bretton will be in public ownership. It's great news for the people of Wakefield and the region.

"Our involvement with the city will continue through the new University centre in Wakefield and our work with Wakefield College, the district council, schools and employers."

Ref: PR862
Date: 02/06/06

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