Plans revealed to transform former local authority buildings into hotels and offices
A property developer is looking to transform three former local authority buildings in Leeds into hotels, offices and public spaces.
Idé Real Estate is drafting a full planning application to convert, extend and refurbish the Grade II-listed buildings – Leonardo Building, Thoresby Building and Great George Street Building – and develop a new building on an existing car park.
The Leonardo Building and Thoresby House, both on Rossington Street, along with 2 Great George Street are being vacated by Leeds City Council, with staff have moving to Merrion House.
The regeneration project aims to deliver two new hotels, serviced Grade A offices and family-friendly public space in one of Europe’s largest urban healthcare and education campuses.
The proposals will convert the Great George Street Building into a premium hotel. The roof will be extended with additional floors to include publicly accessible restaurants with dramatic views of the city.
The Leonardo and Thoresby buildings will be consolidated, connected and extended at roof level to provide office accommodation. Idé is working with stakeholders in the Innovation District to develop the right kind of serviced space to support start-ups and scale-ups.
The proposals also include a lifestyle hotel, a new building which the firm says would be designed to respect and enhance the heritage of the Victorian surroundings. Idé will also propose public space for families and fits in with neighbouring areas like Millennium Square.
Idé, which is Irish for ‘idea’, said they aimed to create a welcoming place for people to work, play and visit. The scheme was discussed at the council’s city plans panel as part of the pre-application process yesterday.
Ronan Faherty, chief executive of Idé, said: “We are very excited to be in Leeds, a growing city with a proactive council and opportunities for everyone.
“We see the Innovation District with its anchor institutions as a big catalyst for inclusive growth in the new knowledge economy. Eds and Meds’ are huge drivers of jobs and prosperity and they need the space to grow.
“We are working with stakeholders to create a sustainable development with enough critical mass to attract new businesses, investors and visitors.”
After yesterday’s meeting, Faherty said: “We welcome the feedback. We will address all concerns and issues. That’s why you have the pre-application process. We truly believe in our scheme and the value it will bring to Leeds. It is all about getting the right scheme for the city.”
Idé Real Estate is hosting a public consultation day on May 23 from 3pm-7.30pm and welcomes any feedback on its proposals.
