Wellington Place's oldest buildings is under construction.
Leeds Central Railway Station was used from the nineteenth century right up until 1967 when the new station on New Station Street became the main station, putting the original Central station out of use - but there's one reminder of the old station that still remain to this day.
The Lifting Tower has been the only remaining feature of Leeds old train station for quite a few years now, and its heritage is being preserved through a brand new construction project that see the tower transformed into a mini museum and exhibition space.
Images: Wellington Place
The full building is currently under construction, with plans to repair and repoint the existing building fabric; restore the staircase with new landscaping, windows and doors, as well as internal and external lighting all planned in to make the space useable.
Perhaps the most impressive of the developments will be the new green roof which is designed to aid biodiversity in the area, as well as the 'opening up' of the structure that allows a wide entrance to visitors on the ground floor.
The idea is that once the work is complete, the ground floor will be home to a mini museum and exhibition open to the public to highlight 'the core role that the tower played for Leeds’ original railway station, and an exhibition capturing people’s memories of the working station'.
The new space inside the Grade II listed lifting tower will also display artefacts from the station’s history and exclusive photography of the area.
Paul Pavia, head of development at MEPC, the developer and asset manager behind Wellington Place, said: “The former railway lifting tower is a symbol of the rich heritage of Wellington Place and a symbol of city’s industrial roots, it plays a central role in the development and provides an interesting juxtaposition between old and new architecture.
“These works will ensure that the lifting tower remains at the heart of the development. We’re especially excited to take this onto the next level and use the space to benefit the local community as well as those across the city and wider region.”
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Work is expected to be competed this winter.
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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 -
15th June 2023 
