Plans to transform a Grade II listed building into a high-end restaurant and club on East Parade have been approved by Leeds City Council.
Formerly hosting OK Karaoke, The Garage Club and La Rambla tapas restaurant, the huge building has been left derelict for several years, but it is hoped that the latest approval will bring the building back to life.
The plans are to keep the building's heritage features whilst full refurbishing to bring a contemporary edge to the classic design.
The standout features will include a curved glazed canopy and stunning light concepts as part of their 'sensitive modernisation'.
It is unclear at present what the name of the restaurant or club will be, or whether the building will be sold onto an existing chain.
The Grade II building formerly hosted OK Karaoke but will be renovated to feature a glamorous restaurant and basement nightclub. / Image: British Listed Buildings
According to The Move Market, the building was originally bought for £1.4 million in November 2019, before the pandemic.
Since this time, the property has decreased in value by £120,000 but still remains the most expensive property in its postcode.
East Parade has plenty of office and hospitality space up for sale at present. / Image: Savills
Buyers Mayfair Investment Group originally planned to deliver a mixed use scheme with leisure space on the lower floors plus either residential apartments or a serviced office scheme on the upper levels, but these plans have now been extended to include a hospitality venue.
Reports state that the building will host a high-end restaurant with a rooftop terrace and outdoor dining space and separate nightclub in the basement.
The upper floors will also house office space, accessed through a new entrance of Park Cross Street.
Originally, the Grade II building is thought to have housed the Mayor of Leeds in 1757, despite signage suggesting the three-storey house was established in 1840.
The plans for the re-development were commended by the Leeds Civic Society for their Heritage Appraisal, suggesting the building will be an exciting architectural addition to East Parade.
The venue has been described as 'game changing' and 'prestigious' by the owners and we can't wait to see the end result.
Feature Image- British Listed Buildings
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Otley is now bidding to become the UK’s first-ever Town of Culture in 2028
Otley has announced its intention to bid to become UK Town of Culture 2028.
Entering into the national competition launched by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), the West Yorkshire town is hoping to be the first-ever town to claim the title.
The Town of Culture competition invites towns across the UK to showcase their cultural story and develop ambitious programmes that celebrate local heritage, creativity, and communities.
The winning town receives a £3 million grant from the Government to deliver a major year-long cultural programme in 2028 designed to boost civic pride, attract visitors, and provide everyone with the opportunity to participate in cultural activities.
Their bid is focused around the Otley 800, a year-long programme that will mark the 800th anniversary of the granting of the Royal Market Charter in 1227 and the bridge over the River Wharfe in 1228.
These two historic moments transformed Otley into the bustling market town that it is today, so it deserves to be recognised.
Work has been going on behind the scenes for the past two years, with the council and Otley BID working with residents to put plans in place for the special year.
More than 70 organisations have been involved.
Mayor of Otley Cllr Paul Carter said: “Otley has always been a town that punches above its weight. This bid is about celebrating our history, but also about investing in our future — creating opportunities for our community, raising our profile and making sure Otley continues to thrive for the next 800 years.”
The shortlist for UK Town of Culture 2028 is set to be announced later this year, with each chosen town receiving £60,000 to help deliver their full bids for the competition. Fingers crossed!
Permission granted for new ‘Corn Exchange Pavilion’ to be built in Leeds city centre
Clementine Hall
The green light has been given for a brand-new pavilion to be built outside the Corn Exchange in Leeds city centre.
Yesterday, Tuesday 31 March, the planning committee of Leeds City Council officially gave the green light to plans submitted by CX Leeds Ltd.
These include plans to build a pavilion outside the Corn Exchange, one of Leeds' most iconic city centre landmarks.
The new building will go where that rather underwhelming patch of astroturf currently lays, in front of the Cornucopia mural and next to the bus shelter.
It lies between New Market Street and Crown Street.
DEN Architecture state that the materials selected will create an intriguing single-storey structure that compliments the surrounding area.
They stated: “The scale of the building and roof form of the proposal pays tribute to the previous tram and bus shelters that once occupied the site.
"While retaining the appropriately subservient nature of any new building in close proximity to the Corn Exchange. This will also provide greater visibility of the Cornucopia Mural.
“The building has been designed following extensive and thorough analysis, with a clear understanding of the built environment and the area’s historic significance.”
It's not yet been decided upon what the building's use will be, although Leeds city council suggests it could be used for "outdoor functions, shops and cafes".
When first put forward to the council back in December 2024, the plans were met with three objections from the public.
So, what would you like to see go into this new space?
Sophie Smith -
19th October 2021 
