Plans approved for transformation of former church building

Plans for an apartment scheme within a former church building in Leeds city centre have been given the go-ahead.

Designed by Brewster Bye Architects for developer Gold & Amber, Hope City Church, which fronts onto York Road close to Quarry House, will be transformed into a five storey building containing 52 apartments, with ground floor retail space, and will be named Lucent Square.

The community church group that previously owned the building had outgrown the venue, which was also once a medical clinic and library service HQ for Leeds City Council.

Now that plans have been approved, work stripping the building back to its original structure will start in December.

Chris Austin, managing director at Brewster Bye Architects, said: “This building will feature a simplistic, attractive design style incorporating sleek cladding, frameless glass balustrading and ribbon glazing, as well as incorporating underground parking for 34 cars.

“Due to the nature of the building, which is very deep in parts, we have created some unique generously proportioned apartments on the first three floors. These will have an en-suite bedroom, kitchen, laundry room, bathroom and a living/dining room that has a glazed opening giving light to a further flexible room that lends itself to a variety of uses.

“The buildings slightly elevate position and the proposed large balconies give stunning views over the city. It is in an area of the city that is rapidly changing and this new development will make an important contribution.”

Patrick Finn, from Gold & Amber, said: “Hope City is the third scheme we have worked on in Leeds with Brewster Bye Architects. The firm has successfully created three unique and innovative designs that totally rejuvenate the existing tired buildings. As with our other Leeds city centre schemes – Brunswick Court, North Crescent and Kirkstall Gate, we are expecting the apartments to appeal to both investors and owner occupiers.”