Museum planned for empty building in Otley town centre
Otley Museum and Archive Trust is seeking permission to move into a vacant shop unit in the town.
A museum’s historical records could be given a new town centre home if plans are agreed with the city council.
Otley Museum and Archive Trust is seeking permission to move into a vacant shop unit in the town.
Leeds City Council has been asked to approved plans to refurbish a vacant site next to Skipton Building Society on the corner of Boroughgate and Wesley Street.
A design report by the trust said: “The proposal is to change the use of the retail unit to a museum.”
The trust’s artefacts and exhibits were put into storage when the museum had to leave Otley Civic Centre, which was its home since 1961.
The volunteer-led group’s photographs and other materials were placed at Wellcroft House and made available by appointment.
The design report said: “Otley Museum and Archive Trust have spent many decades sited in Otley Civic Centre and more recently situated on the outskirts of the town.
“The trust feel the museum would benefit from returning to the town centre and, with the unit on Boroughgate now redundant and being available to lease, it makes an ideal location.”
The report said the building was owned by the building society and part of Otley Conservation Area.
A full planning application for a change of use of the ground floor is out for consultation until August 11.
The report said: “All the works are to be internal and cosmetic with no structural alterations to be carried out.
“We feel the proposal will have a sympathetic but neutral impact on the conservation area.”