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The West Leeds Country Park Visitor Centre is undergoing final preparations and will open to the public for the first time on Saturday, March 27.

The new centre, which is located in the former aviary building in the park, will be free to enter and it has been extended and refurbished in a project managed by Leeds City Council's Parks and Countryside Service.

The new-look building will house a diverse range of wildlife and habitats that can be found along the West Leeds Country Park – a 32km circular trail which runs from the city centre through a green corridor heading towards Bradford before looping back towards Leeds.

Leeds City Council executive member for leisure Coun John Procter said: "We are delighted to be opening another major wildlife attraction for residents and visitors to Leeds to enjoy.

"The new West Leeds Country Park Visitor Centre complements Tropical World perfectly as visitors will be able to see exotic animals and also now the wonderful native species which live in and around Leeds.

"We want people of all ages to come and see what the new centre has to offer and we are confident everyone will be impressed. "

The visitor centre contains snapshots of key habitats along the route of the country park, with native wildlife on display including rabbits, harvest mice, butterflies and fish.

The main focal point of the centre will be an aquarium with a giant tank that will hold around 13,000 litres of water and be filled with a variety of fish.

The new visitor centre also has an activity and community room.

Leader of Leeds City Council Coun Andrew Carter added: "The new West Leeds Country Park Visitor Centre looks fantastic and it is all coming together really well.

"We cannot wait to get the doors open and let people come in and see all the wildlife on display and learn all about the fascinating animals and habitats to be found on their doorstep."