More homes to be developed in converted cinema

Work is underway to transform a 100-year-old former cinema in Leeds into a technologically advanced, residential development consisting of 17 apartments.

The former Pavilion Cinema in Stanningley is being converted by Trinity Developments and Starfish Investments into a selection of luxurious one and two-bedroom apartments and duplexes.

The scheme, which will be known as Pavilion Court, has been designed by Leeds-based Brewster Bye Architects and is being marketed for sale by Aspen Woolf, with prices starting at £89,995.

It sits in a prominent position on the junction of Stanningley Road, Town Street and Half Mile Lane.

Work is due to complete in spring 2020 and as part of the development, major improvements are being made to the building’s exterior, which will include repairs to its render, brickwork, windows and roof, as well as remedial landscaping work.

The development will incorporate car parking and secure cycle storage, as well as the latest smart home technology from Loxone, including motion and mood lighting, automatic blinds and smart heating.

Chris Austin, managing director at Brewster Bye Architects, said: “This building is steeped in history and to give it a new lease of life in its centenary year is a fitting tribute for such a prominent Stanningley landmark.

“Its stunning art deco styled front entrance is particularly well-known and this will continue to be a focal point of the completed development.

“There’s no doubt it will be a great place to live, in a really popular area, close to plenty of amenities and with excellent transport links. It’s just over a mile away from both New Pudsey and Bramley railway stations, it’s on the bus route into Leeds city centre and sits alongside the Cycle Superhighway, which connects Leeds with Bradford, so it’s in a great location.”

The 644-seat cinema opened in 1920 but closed 50 years later and then became a bingo hall. The building then stood empty for several years before being converted into an office building known as the Pavilion Business Centre.