Otley Bridge End
The site of the proposed riverside visitor centre is site of the well-known Bridge End Auction Mart (Otley had two farmer’s auction marts – the other being the existing Wharfedale Farmer’s Mart).
The old Auction Mart was one of the most important livestock markets in the north of England, bringing farmers in from for a wide. The Auction Mart operated with two markets a week until its sudden closure in 2002. It was managed by auctioneers Listers on behalf of local famers.
When it closed in 2002, the site was left derelict and became an eyesore. It was bought by developers, Park Mount estates who wanted to build on the site. In 2008 and 2009 they sought planning permission to develop the area for housing which was rejected by Leeds City Council planning officers. The decision went to appeal in 2012 and the Council’s decision was upheld. The Planning Inspector also rejected a decision that the land should be grassed over.
In 2014 Leeds City Council turned down an application for the site to become an Asset of Community Value – so the proposal for a visitor centre is the only hope for this important area to be used for something of real value to the local community.
The Houldsworth family purchased the site in 2014 to secure the future of the site for the community (and to stop any further attempts to build on it). Since the floods of Boxing Day 2015, the Houldsworths put any plans on hold. The flood defences were completed in 2021.
In 2017, at their own expense, the Houldsworths cleared 800 tonnes of concrete to tidy up the site. As well as being an eyesore, the concrete base of the old auction market was restricting access. The work was welcomed by Otley Show and Otley Carnival with the site being so important to both events.
Otley Bridge End
The site of the proposed riverside visitor centre is site of the well-known Bridge End Auction Mart (Otley had two farmer’s auction marts – the other being the existing Wharfedale Farmer’s Mart).
The old Auction Mart was one of the most important livestock markets in the north of England, bringing farmers in from for a wide. The Auction Mart operated with two markets a week until its sudden closure in 2002. It was managed by auctioneers Listers on behalf of local famers.
When it closed in 2002, the site was left derelict and became an eyesore. It was bought by developers, Park Mount estates who wanted to build on the site. In 2008 and 2009 they sought planning permission to develop the area for housing which was rejected by Leeds City Council planning officers. The decision went to appeal in 2012 and the Council’s decision was upheld. The Planning Inspector also rejected a decision that the land should be grassed over.
In 2014 Leeds City Council turned down an application for the site to become an Asset of Community Value – so the proposal for a visitor centre is the only hope for this important area to be used for something of real value to the local community.
The Houldsworth family purchased the site in 2014 to secure the future of the site for the community (and to stop any further attempts to build on it). Since the floods of Boxing Day 2015, the Houldsworths put any plans on hold. The flood defences were completed in 2021.
In 2017, at their own expense, the Houldsworths cleared 800 tonnes of concrete to tidy up the site. As well as being an eyesore, the concrete base of the old auction market was restricting access. The work was welcomed by Otley Show and Otley Carnival with the site being so important to both events.
As well as being used for the annual Otley Show and Otley Carnival, the site is currently used for temporary parking, including for the NHS/Wharfedale Hospital and for production crews filming in the area. In 2020, the Houldsworths made a donation to Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice of the £1000 received from the production company that used the plot whilst filming locally for the fourth series of Kay Mellor’s The Syndicate.
Now the hope is that, working with local organisations and representatives, Leeds City Council and the Environment Agency, the exciting proposal for the riverside visitor centre will get the go ahead, to ensure the site is permanently used to the benefit of Otley residents and visitors.
Our Story
The Otley Visitor Centre proposal is being put forward by local family, the Houldsworths, who bought the site to secure it for community use, with the support of community organisations. The Houldsworths own Otley based Basil Houldsworth & Sons, Joiners & Builders.
The business celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2022.
Richard is the son of Basil Houldsworth the founder of the business.
As well as being used for the annual Otley Show and Otley Carnival, the site is currently used for temporary parking, including for the NHS/Wharfedale Hospital and for production crews filming in the area. In 2020, the Houldsworths made a donation to Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice of the £1000 received from the production company that used the plot whilst filming locally for the fourth series of Kay Mellor’s The Syndicate.
Now the hope is that, working with local organisations and representatives, Leeds City Council and the Environment Agency, the exciting proposal for the riverside visitor centre will get the go ahead, to ensure the site is permanently used to the benefit of Otley residents and visitors.
Our Story
The Otley Visitor Centre proposal is being put forward by local family, the Houldsworths, who bought the site to secure it for community use, with the support of community organisations. The Houldsworths own Otley based Basil Houldsworth & Sons, Joiners & Builders.
The business celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2022.
Richard is the son of Basil Houldsworth the founder of the business.