Improved Pathway Established at Temple Newsam for Enhanced Access to Historic Sites
The Temple Newsam estate in Leeds has been transformed with the opening of a new accessible walking, wheeling, and cycling route. This £1.1 million project, a collaboration between Sustrans, Leeds City Council, and the estate's heritage team, has seen the reinstatement of historic cobblestones to create a smooth and accessible surface for all visitors [1][2].
Councillor Helen Hayden, who cut the ribbon at the official launch, highlighted the route's potential to promote active and sustainable travel options, connecting local communities to the heritage site. The new path starts outside Temple Newsam House, runs through the estate, and connects with National Cycle Network Route 66 to the north and Pontefract Lane to the south [1][2].
The project includes more than just a new path. The team also reinstated a former carriageway that had been grassed over, creating a route that meanders through the estate. A safer road crossing has been installed at the southern entrance, and better directional signage has been added throughout to aid navigation [1][2].
National Highways, through their Designated Funds program, funded this project, and they are proud to have supported it. Freda Rashdi, Head of Customer Journeys at National Highways, expressed her satisfaction with the project. The future development of the route is planned to extend over the Aire and Calder Navigation and the River Aire, and into Rothwell [1][2].
The improvements aim to allow many more people to access the path and enjoy it for leisure and short trips. Being able to cross the River Aire in the future would enable people to connect with National Cycle Network Route 67 along the canal. The new path was launched with a celebration event, attended by Councillor Helen Hayden, who expressed her delight at playing a part in creating this new National Cycle Network route [1][2].
This project is a testament to the combination of conservation of historical features and modern accessibility needs. By preserving the estate's original cobblestones, the team has opened up Temple Newsam to a broader range of visitors, encouraging walking, wheeling, and cycling in a heritage-rich environment [1][2].
[1] Leeds City Council. (2022). Temple Newsam: New Accessible Path Opens. Retrieved from https://www.leeds.gov.uk/news/temple-newsam-new-accessible-path-opens
[2] Sustrans. (2022). Temple Newsam: New Accessible Path Opens. Retrieved from https://www.sustrans.org.uk/news/temple-newsam-new-accessible-path-opens
The new accessible path at Temple Newsam estate caters to diverse travel options, fostering active and sustainable living while encouraging outdoor-living. The meandering route, extending from Temple Newsam House to National Cycle Network Routes, enhances home-and-garden connections within the heritage site.
