Plans revealed to breathe life into empty commercial premises

A large, vacant commercial building in Leeds could be extensively refurbished to accommodate new offices if planners agree.

CEG, supported by Lichfields and Orms, has lodged an application to Leeds City Council to refurbish Drapers Yard, previously known as the 1953 Building.

The property, which has been disused since 2004, is in the Holbeck Conservation Area and is adjacent to Temple Works which is Grade I listed.

The application proposes to revamp the building’s interior to create more than 85,000 sq ft of floorspace, most of which would be for office use.

As well as the office accommodation there would be a cafe along the Marshall Street façade, a repositioning of the main entrance to Marshall Street, external works to repair/replace the façade and creation of rooftop amenity space.

In addition, there would be provision of 19 car parking spaces on Marshall Street and Sweet Street West,
along with a total of 80 cycle parking spaces, 70 of which will be located in an internal, secure cycle store area.

The planning statement accompanying the application explains: “These proposals for Drapers Yard represent a further commitment by CEG to the regeneration of the Temple area, and the proposed refurbishment works will facilitate the return to active use of this locally prominent building.

“The refurbishment of the existing building and necessary repairs to the external façade will improve and enhance the visual amenity of the building and the surrounding area.

“Bringing the building back into active use will also have a positive impact of the general amenity of the area
by increasing footfall and assist in the wider regeneration of the area.”