The chorus of Opera North were on hand to entertain guests assembled for the official launch of Hunslet Square, the public open space outside Hunslet Library on 24 June 2025.

The event had to be moved into the Library due to the weather but that didn’t dampen the audience’s enjoyment as the choristers ran through songs spanning 500 years of music and including three madrigals The Chattanooga Choo Choo and I Get Around.

The audience enjoyed the performance by the Chorus of Opera North

In her speech Cllr Harland, executive member for communities, customer service and community safety, said:

“The square will serve the community as a focal space for people to enjoy, whether that’s to attend an event, or just sit outside with your lunch, read a book from the library, or to enjoy the landscaping and artwork, or just see your young children playing around the obstacle course on their way home from school, it’s a part and parcel of what the community square brings and I’m delighted to designate the area with the title Hunslet Square.”

A mural has been created on the red brick wall opposite the library by artist Anwyn which depicts the history and achievements of the Hunslet community.

Improvements to the square including seating, planting, play markings and the mural was made possible by the UK Shared Prosperity funding and Ward Member funding.

 

Photo: Cllr Mary Harland (centre) with Jas Dhariwal-Holmes, Community Hub Manager and Cllr Paul Wray
(Labour, Hunslet & Riverside) who both worked hard to see the project delivered

 

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