New purpose-built horticultural nursery set to officially open its doors to the public this weekend

A state-of-the art new horticultural nursery in Leeds will officially open to the public this weekend.

Replacing the former Red Hall Nursery in Whinmoor, visitors to The ‘Arium’ will have the chance to browse and choose from an extensive range of plants for sale in a stunning 19,000 square metre glasshouse setting, which boasts over 22,000 panels of glass. With the latest cutting-edge technology also providing enhanced efficiency on site, there is sufficient growing space to produce over 500 different plant species on site annually and the extensive production of 3.5m bedding and 250,000 edible plants for use in community parks and the in bloom initiative.

Also available at the new facility in Thorner is an onsite shop and café, outdoor picnic area and a children’s play area offering a welcoming and fun environment that all the family can enjoy. To mark The Arium opening its doors to the public, an exciting range of activities will be on offer this weekend (7 & 8 October) from 10am – 3.30pm. The activities will be themed around gardening, Leeds in Bloom, food growing, wildlife, the environment and the great outdoors. On offer will include a climbing wall, farm animals, a pop up allotment, bulb planting, nature-themed arts and crafts, face painting, advice on gardening for wildlife, food growing and lots, lots more!

Visitors will also have the chance to view a fantastic art installation near the cafe designed by Reception and Key Stage 1 pupils from six schools which was officially unveiled by Cllr Lucinda Yeadon. Schools to take part included; Grimes Dyke Primary School; Thorner C of E Primary School; Our Lady’s Catholic Primary School; Swarcliffe Primary School; Alwoodley Primary School and Carr Manor Community School.

Councillor Lucinda Yeadon, Leeds City Council’s executive member for environment and sustainability, said:

“We are very excited that The Arium is now ready to open its doors and that the public will have the chance this weekend to visit our new state-of-the-art horticultural nursery which is really spectacular.

“With the latest technology also on site at The Arium, this will provide a fantastic efficient environment in which to continue our huge plant production operation, which sees over 500 different species created on a yearly-basis.

“Our parks and countryside team has worked tirelessly on The Arium project and they deserve great credit and also a big thank you for their dedication and effort. We hope that members of the public will join us this weekend as we mark the opening of The Arium with a range of family-themed fun activities.

Notes to editors:

The Arium is located on Thorner Lane, Leeds, LS14 3FB.

To visit The Arium site, turn off the A64 onto Thorner Lane, and take the second turning on your right after Whinmoor Cemetery.

For media enquiries, please contact;

Colin Dickinson, Leeds City Council press office (0113) 39 51578

Email: colin.dickinson@leeds.gov.uk