£1 million has been donated by the government towards the restoration project.
Temple Works is expected to push ahead with plans to restore its huge mill space as part of the British Library North project after further government investment.
Since 2009, one of Leeds' most historically significant mills has stood derelict, awaiting a much-needed restoration. After being purchased by property company CEG in 2017 for just £1, the mill has since felt the rise and fall of potential investment over the past five years.
In need of urgent repairs to return the former flax mill into a heritage rich site, over £1 million has now been donated to allow Temple Works to transform into the home of the Northern British Library.
The Grade I listed building has already received £25m of devolution money, secured by the council to support the project. According to reporting by Leeds Live, the money is held by the West Yorkshire authority. It is expected the council will draw around £5m to cover the costs of a full restoration by development partner CEG.
Previously Leeds City Council Leader, James Lewis has shown his enthusiasm for the project:
“These plans for Temple Works reflect both a sense of pride in Leeds’s past and a real determination to forge a future that benefits people in all our local communities. Temple Works is a jewel in Leeds’s heritage crown and the prospect of seeing it start a new chapter as the home of the British Library in the North is hugely exciting."
The sum of money was donated as part of a Culture Recovery Fund grant, which will allow plans to continue with the restoration project of one of Leeds' largest mills. £636,000 has come from the Heritage Stimulus Fund to go towards the roof and a further £400,000 has been donated to subsidise the costs of restoring the Counting House and its well-known Egyptian facade by Historic England's Yorkshire regional 'pot'. This will allow the rooms to become a showcase area for the British Library plans.
What was once hinted to be taken over by the likes of Burberry, Temple Works' fate has been hanging in the balance for quite some time. The designer brand pulled out of any potential deals back in 2018 and the company has since sold the 10 acres of land that they owned.
The building has finally began to secure funding from various heritage funds and £5 million from Leeds City Council. It is hoped that the project can now begin to come to life and the former flax mill can be restored into a historical place of significance for the public to view once more.
More information is expected to follow in the coming months about this exciting new project.
Feature Image- The British Library
Leeds
A popular Caribbean street food restaurant is coming to Leeds this spring
Get ready to enjoy a taste of the Caribbean as Jerk Junction is gearing up to open in Leeds.
The street food favourite has made waves in the foodie scene over in Manchester and Liverpool, so it's only right that its making its way into Trinity Kitchen.
Jerk Junction specialises in authentic Caribbean flavours, from dumplings and jerk chicken to curried goat and rice and peas, it's all flame-grilled and packed with island spices.
It is expected to open this spring.
Image: The Manc Group
Steven Foster, Centre Director at Trinity Leeds, said: “We’re so excited to be welcoming Jerk Junction to Trinity Kitchen and we’re sure it will prove very popular. Bringing an authentic Caribbean flavour to Leeds, it’s the perfect new addition and complements our already stellar line-up of street food vendors.”
Jake Shaffi, founder at Jerk Junction, said: “Jerk Junction is all about real Caribbean food and culture. Everything we do is rooted in Jamaican tradition, from bold spices and authentic cooking to dishes that bring people together.
“For us, food is family. From our kitchen to every person who comes to our counter, we want people to feel the warmth, the energy and the spirit of the islands. We can’t wait to bring those authentic flavours and good vibes to Trinity Kitchen.”
The announcement follows news that the UK’s largest independent boutique bowling brand Lane7, and footwear retailers schuh and Footasylum, would be opening at Trinity Leeds later this year, whilst the LEGO Store will be relocating to a larger space within the shopping centre.
Posting to their social media, The Maven said: "When news broke The Maven could close its doors at the end of March, the reaction across the city was immediate. The response from customers, bartenders, and hospitality operators showed just how much this bar means to Leeds.
"For nearly 15 years, The Maven has been one of the city’s most loved cocktail destinations and a true institution within the local bar scene.
"When we told you about its potential closure we were flooded with support and interest from across the hospitality community. In the days that followed, several Leeds-based operators stepped forward with genuine offers to buy the venue and keep the bar alive.
"At a time when our industry is too often filled with stories of closures, today brings a little hope - a story about a community stepping up to protect something it values.
"The reports that The Maven would close at the end of March are now firmly in the past: The Maven Lives.
"Thanks to the passion of the Leeds hospitality community and the loyalty of its guests, the bar will continue to be part of the city’s nightlife story. More details about the next chapter for The Maven will be shared soon."
Sophie Smith -
12th April 2022 
