Left Bank Leeds applies to set build bar and kitchen at Gothic listed former church

A charity that has repurposed a former Leeds church has applied to build a bar and kitchen inside as part of plans to diversify.

Social events such as beer festivals and vintage fairs have been put on at what was St Margaret of Antioch church, now known as Left Bank Leeds, on Cardigan Road in Burley in recent years.

But he Left Bank Leeds charity that runs such events at the site says the building lacks essential kitchen facilities.

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It is one of Leeds's few Grade II*-listed buildings - which Historic England says "is of more than special interest" - alongside the City Varieties, Civic Hall and Grand Theatre.

The LS6 beer festival at Left Bank Leeds in 2018, which showcased a selection of beers and ciders and also featured street food and DJs. Picture: Scott Merrylees.The LS6 beer festival at Left Bank Leeds in 2018, which showcased a selection of beers and ciders and also featured street food and DJs. Picture: Scott Merrylees.
The LS6 beer festival at Left Bank Leeds in 2018, which showcased a selection of beers and ciders and also featured street food and DJs. Picture: Scott Merrylees.

Describing the church, Historic England has said: "The red brick exterior hides an amazing neo-gothic interior."

Interim director Sue Jennings has applied to Leeds City Council to carry out the changes inside, as well as add features which would make the building more accessible such as ramps.

Old choir stalls would also be moved into archways and combined with fold-up tables and stools to create "flexible booths", providing seating for more than 50 people across three large bays.

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A new office would also be installed, as would new toilets to accommodate more people.

An event at Left Bank Leeds in 2018. Picture: Scott Merrylees.An event at Left Bank Leeds in 2018. Picture: Scott Merrylees.
An event at Left Bank Leeds in 2018. Picture: Scott Merrylees.

In a design and access statement submitted with the planning application this month, the charity said: "In the current socio-economic climate, the venue is keen to diversify its functions as far as possible in order to support and sustain the operation of the community space.

"Wellness, art, design, music, gigs and festivals are just some of the activities the venue hopes to host in the future.

"The intention is to make the building as open to the public and community as possible, increasing and diversifying the audience by providing enhanced facilities, improved accessibility and a more flexible space."

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The design statement says that kitchen facilities are "essential in enhancing the future appeal of the church as a community events space".

But the bar and kitchen would be "fully removable in order to respect the Grade II* listed status of the church", adds the statement.

Grade II* buildings are "particularly important buildings of more than special interest," says Historic England - just 5.8 per cent of listed buildings come under that category, whereas 91.7 per cent are Grade II.

The church was built in 1907 to the designs of Temple Moore, who specialised in Gothic Revival churches, and was paid for through local fundraising.

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Locals bought the Anglican church in 2002 after it closed in 1995 and it is now run by the trust.

Previously, damage to the roof and an infestation of pigeons meant the building was a health hazard and unfit for regular use until funding from a private trust and the Heritage Lottery Fund enabled repair works to start in 2007.