Major redevelopment plans revealed by Opera North
Opera North, England’s national opera company based in Leeds, is seeking planning permission for an ambitious redevelopment project to create a world-class centre for the arts in the heart of the city.
The plans, which have received the support of Leeds City Council’s executive board, will create improved facilities for audiences and artists, as well as a new education centre to house Opera North’s programme of arts activities.
The Howard Assembly Room, which is programmed and managed by Opera North and currently accessed via Leeds Grand Theatre, will have its own dedicated entrance and box office, with a new restaurant and bar replacing a row of vacant shop units directly beneath the venue on New Briggate.
A new atrium space will link the restaurant and bar space with stairs and lift access directly to the Howard Assembly Room,as well as improved front of house facilities for audiences at the venue.
An extended artistic programme will increase the number of performances, gigs and events held at the Howard Assembly Room.
Further development of Opera North’s estate on Harrison Street, between New Briggate and Vicar Lane, will create a world-class artistic hub, connecting the company’s primary rehearsal spaces, administrative offices and costume department with new music practice rooms and a chorus and orchestra rehearsal room.
An education centre will include studio rehearsal spaces and teaching facilities for youth ensembles, activity spaces for early years and family groups, schools’ workshops, and singing groups and courses for adults.
Richard Mantle, general director, said: “This is an exciting time for Opera North and the Howard Assembly Room as we seek to create a truly world-class arts hub to meet the needs of our audiences, our artistic company, and our city. We have submitted a planning application which is the result of extensive research, planning and consultation, and which we believe will result in a real enhancement to the civic area and facilities of New Briggate and the surrounding Grand Quarter.”
A public consultation event on the project will be held at the Howard Assembly Room on Thursday 26 April, from 5.30pm – 7.30pm.
