JungleBox ‘Jungle Classroom’ Plans Submitted for Pudsey Park

Key Points

• JungleBox Ltd has submitted plans to transform a disused visitor centre and glasshouse at Pudsey Park in Leeds into a tropical-themed “jungle classroom” attraction.
• The facility would feature free-roaming exotic animals including fruit bats, birds, lizards, and other species within a planted rainforest environment.
• The visitor centre was shut down in 2020 and the proposal aims to bring it back into use.
• A design report describes the experience as transporting visitors with smells, humid heat, sights, and sounds of a jungle.
• JungleBox requests a three-year rent-free period from Leeds City Council to fund upgrades like insulation and heating systems.
• The company also asks the council to repair the building to make it watertight.
• A new cafe on site would generate funds for maintenance and plant care.
• The full planning application is under consideration by Leeds City Council, with public consultation open until 18 February.

Pudsey Park (The Leeds Times) February 3, 2026 – JungleBox Ltd has proposed transforming a disused visitor centre and glasshouse at Pudsey Park into a tropical-themed “jungle classroom” attraction, complete with free-roaming fruit bats and lizards, pending approval from Leeds City Council. The scheme seeks to revive the site closed since 2020, featuring exotic rainforest trees and a new cafe to support operations. The application, highlighted by the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), is out for public consultation until 18 February.

What Is the Proposed ‘Jungle Classroom’?

The core of the proposal centres on repurposing the existing glasshouse and visitor centre at Pudsey Park, a public green space in west Leeds. JungleBox Ltd’s design report outlines planting the glasshouse with exotic rainforest trees to create an immersive environment. As stated in the report,

“Animals such as fruit bats, birds, lizards and other exotic species free roam in the jungle.”

This setup promises

“the smells, the humid heat, the sights and sounds all transport you to another world,”

according to the document submitted to Leeds City Council.

The attraction would function as both an educational “jungle classroom” and a visitor draw, allowing free movement of species within the enclosed space. No specific journalist is attributed to the original design report, but it forms the backbone of the planning application covered comprehensively by the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) via BBC channels.

Why Was the Visitor Centre Closed?

The visitor centre at Pudsey Park fell into disuse after its closure in 2020, leaving the glasshouse and surrounding facilities dormant. This development aligns with broader challenges faced by public amenities during that period, though specific reasons for the shutdown—such as funding cuts or maintenance issues—are not detailed in the application.

The proposal explicitly notes that the scheme “would bring the visitor centre back into use after it was shut down in 2020,” positioning the revival as a key benefit for the community.

As reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), the full planning application addresses this gap by outlining renovations to restore functionality.

What Financial Concessions Is JungleBox Seeking?

JungleBox Ltd has requested significant support from Leeds City Council to make the project viable. The company seeks

“a period of time where rent will be zero. This period is three years,”

as quoted directly from the design report. JungleBox explains,

“This concession is required because during our first period of occupancy income will be low and we desire to concentrate all of our funding on the development of the collection and our efforts to open the facility in good order.”

Additionally, the report calls on the council to

“carry out repairs to make the existing building watertight.”

These measures would enable JungleBox to prioritise upgrades like insulation and heating systems without immediate revenue pressures. The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) emphasised these demands in its coverage, noting they are integral to the application’s feasibility.

How Will the New Cafe Fit In?

A new cafe forms a crucial revenue stream in the plans, designed to fund ongoing maintenance and plant care. According to the application,

“A new cafe at the site would raise funds to pay for maintenance and plant care.”

This commercial element complements the educational jungle classroom, potentially attracting families and school groups to Pudsey Park.

The cafe’s role underscores the project’s sustainability model, blending public enjoyment with private enterprise. Coverage by the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) highlights this as a practical solution to operational costs in a public park setting.

What Is the Planning Process and Timeline?

Leeds City Council is currently considering the full planning application, which remains out for public consultation until 18 February. Residents and stakeholders can submit feedback during this window, influencing the decision on whether JungleBox Ltd gains permission. As noted by the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), this phase allows scrutiny of the tropical theme, animal welfare, and financial arrangements.

No decision date is specified beyond the consultation end, but council planning committees typically review such proposals in subsequent meetings. The LDRS, known for in-depth local democracy coverage, has flagged the 18 February deadline as critical for community input.

Who Is JungleBox Ltd and What Is Their Vision?

JungleBox Ltd emerges as the driving force behind this innovative proposal, though limited public details exist on the company’s prior operations or expertise in exotic animal exhibits.

The design report reflects a clear vision for an engaging, otherworldly experience in an urban park context. By introducing free-roaming species like fruit bats and lizards, the firm aims to educate visitors on rainforest ecosystems.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) attributes the initiative squarely to JungleBox, with no additional media outlets expanding on the company’s background in available reports.

What Are the Potential Benefits for Pudsey Park?

Reviving the disused facilities could enhance Pudsey Park’s appeal as a family destination in west Leeds. The jungle classroom promises educational value, fostering interest in biodiversity amid urban surroundings. The cafe addition might boost footfall, supporting local employment and park upkeep.

Proponents could argue it aligns with council goals for sustainable public space regeneration post-2020 closures. The design report’s vivid description—”transport you to another world”—suggests a unique draw, potentially increasing park usage year-round.

What Challenges Might the Proposal Face?

Planning permission hinges on addressing animal welfare, biosecurity, and neighbourhood impacts. Free-roaming exotics in a public park raise questions on containment, ventilation, and public safety, though the glasshouse structure mitigates some risks. Financial requests for rent waivers and council repairs could spark debate over public subsidy for private gain.

Community consultation until 18 February provides a platform for concerns, as flagged by the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS). Neighbours might question noise, odours, or traffic from visitors.

How Does This Fit Broader Trends in UK Parks?

This proposal mirrors a UK trend of repurposing disused park infrastructure for immersive attractions, blending education with leisure. Similar initiatives, like vivariums or eco-centres, have succeeded in cities like London and Manchester, drawing grants or partnerships. Leeds City Council’s involvement reflects efforts to activate green spaces amid budget strains.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) positions it within local planning debates, emphasising community benefits versus costs.

What Happens Next in the Consultation?

Public input shapes the outcome, with submissions due by 18 February via council portals. Leeds City Council will assess compliance with planning policies on heritage, ecology, and viability. JungleBox awaits approval to proceed with upgrades.

As the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) reports, this period determines if Pudsey Park gains its jungle centrepiece.

Community Reactions So Far

Early coverage notes no formal responses yet, given the consultation’s recency. However, the tropical theme has sparked online interest, with locals expressing curiosity on social platforms. Balanced views anticipate both excitement for novelty and caution over exotics in a residential park.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) has not quoted specific residents, focusing on procedural details.