Tetley building: Plans unveiled to give iconic building another '100 years of life'

Vastint, the developer behind the project, has also said that it would keep intact the building’s art deco façade, but add a roof terrace and an extension to the building’s Eastern face.

Speaking to The Yorkshire Post, Simon Schofield, head of development North at Vastint UK, said: “The building is approaching its centenary, and the way we see it, we want to give it another 100 years of life. The Tetley is at the heart of our development.

“We are long term investors, and we are building these buildings to own them in perpetuity. We intend to own these buildings forever.”

Vastint has opened its plans to the public today as part of a consultation event which is taking place within the Tetley building, where the first images and details of Vastint’s plans have been revealed. The company is welcoming comments from the public until late December, with a planning application expected early in 2024.

The plans include a proposal to open the building’s basement to the public for the first time in its history, with a bar and restaurant proposed for the space.

Plans for the ground floor feature a new food hall, as well as new amenities including Changing Places facilities.

The first-floor plans show an event space and business lounge, with the second and third floors of the building set to feature office spaces.

An extension would also be added to the eastern façade of the building, which has traditionally been connected to other buildings within the brewery complex.

Vastint said that it also plans to retroengineer the building to modern sustainability standards.

Mr Schofield added: “The Tetley is an iconic building within Leeds and we’re excited to finally reveal our plans for its future. As custodians of this important piece of the city’s history, we have been working hard with our architects Supervene and Enjoy Design, Leeds City Council and others to look not just at how we preserve this beautiful building, but continue its evolution.

“Everyone is excited to work on this project, not only because of what it brings to Aire Park, but also because of the important role this building has and will continue to play in the story of Leeds. We’d like to think that Joshua Tetley would be impressed by what has become of the site he purchased for £402 in 1822.”

Michael Westlake, director at Supervene Architects added: “To be given the chance to work on a building which holds such an important place within a city’s cultural history and be able to shape its next chapter is exciting.

“We believe these plans will ensure the building can continue to act as a beacon to attract both locals and visitors to the area and the wider Aire Park.”

Vastint UK will officially submit its proposals to Leeds City Council in the new year ahead of starting work later in the year with the ambition of the building reopening to the public in 2026.

The wider Aire Park development includes plans for a 3.5-hectare city centre green park, up to 1,400 news homes and 85,000m sq of office space.