KIRKSTALL ABBEY

1152 - 2002

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Lottery funded restoration of the abbey

Kirkstall Abbey has, in its anniversary year, been successful in obtaining support from the Heritage Lottery Fund. The sum involved is in the region of £4.1 million. To which the local council will add a further £1 million

The Reredorter, which is the only monastic building to survive to roof height within the Abbey grounds has had a chequered history. Originally serving as the Lay Brothers' toilet block, it later saw use as a cow barn and more recently as a low budget cafe. Apparently an extension was added and this used as an art gallery but this is now a public toilets.

The Reredorter, when restored will serve as a Visitor Centre and be used as an educational resource. Here will be included, heritage exhibition, refreshment kiosk and refurbished toilet facilities.

The Abbey Ruins, which are the main feature of this park, will be repaired and conserved, so as to safeguard the site for future generations. Areas believed to be subject to most damage will be re-roofed.

Photogrammetry was employed so as to make an accurate stone by stone record of the fabric of the abbey. This has provided a guide to restoration and provided an accurate record for historical study and records.

The Parkland. To improve aesthetics, some features of the historic landscape will be restored so as to enhance the ruins. It is intended to improve recreational use of the park. Paths are to be upgraded and new shrubs and bulbs planted. A tree survey has already been carried out.

Abbey House Museum and Gardens. Abbey House, originally the Gatehouse to the Abbey has recently been refurbished and extended, courtesy of an earlier lottery grant. Improvements to its grounds, and pedestrian links and disabled access are to be improved.

Car Park. The car park is to be much improved and the children's play area resited. Pedestrian access points will be improved with safety in mind.