Leeds Temple Works is set to become the new home of the British Library in the North of England.
The grade I-listed former Flax mill in Holbeck has had a tortuous history of late, but now that looks to be coming to an end as decision-makers look set to back multi-million pound plans to transform the building into the new Northern home of the British Library.
The building has been out of use for decades and so would require a significant investment to bring it back to life, but it seems that might finally be on the cards amid talk of a new £75m investment.
Temple Works in Holbeck is a stunning building and an iconic part of the city / Image: Sarah Grice
Previous attempts to restore Temple Works have failed numerous times, most recently in 2017 when Burberry pulled out of plans to turn it into a £50m manufacturing facility for the high fashion brand.
A report is set to go ahead of council bosses next week, at which point a decision will be made on the proposed plans.
It states: “The British Library see this as a major opportunity to deliver increased public engagement across all services in the North."
Inside Leeds Library / Image: Michael D Beckwith
“British Library’s proposition is still being developed, but it is envisaged that it will comprise a mixture of public space, research space, temporary exhibitions, permanent displays which explore both the Library’s collection and the history of the building, space for families and communities to spend time together, cultural events, space for business and entrepreneurs, and ancillary leisure.
“This would provide an offer for people of all ages and backgrounds.”
£25m of devolution money has already been secured by the council to support the project. According to reporting by Leeds LIve, the money is held b the West Yorkshire authority. It's expected the council will draw around £5m to cover the costs of a full restoration by development partner CEG.
If plans go ahead, the new library site will become the northern arm to the British Library's main site in Boston Spa - which was first opened in 1961 and is home to more than three-quarters of its 170 million-strong collection.
The building has some incredible period features / Image: caradoca
“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," said Leeds City Council leader Coun James Lewis.
"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 centre envisioned by the Library, CEG and ourselves would be a major cultural asset and would help drive regeneration, not just in the Temple area but across the whole of the South Bank and beyond.
"It would also strengthen Leeds’s presence on the national and international stage, which has already been boosted in recent times by projects such as the UK Infrastructure Bank, the arrival of Channel 4 and the new Leeds-based hub being planned by the Bank of England.”
Feature image - Tim Green.
News
A new bar dedicated to Guinness and games is coming to Leeds city centre
Expect live music, a load of craic and plenty of Guinness at Leeds' brand-new bar.
Opening on Leeds' bustling Merrion Street, 'Love, Jackie' is the latest concept from the team behind Roxy Ball Room and King Pins.
Love, Jackie will be taking over a 7,000 sq ft space,and will be promising proper prints, late nights and plenty of Irish charm.
Pouring will be the holy trinity of Irish stouts - Guinness, Beamish and Murphy's.
Image: Supplied
These will be served alongside Leeds' own Kirkstall Virtuous IPA and a vast whiskey selection that celebrates the best of Ireland.
Games wise, try your hand at crazy pool, interactive darts, shuffleboard and karaoke. There will also be live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
The opening comes as Merrion Street enjoys a new wave of investment and hospitality openings, helping bring new life to one of Leeds' best known night life attractions.
Image: Supplied
Matt Jones, CEO of Professionals at Play, said: “Everyone knows a Jackie. She’s the one who gets everyone together, convinces you to stay for another and makes sure there’s never a dull moment.
“We wanted to create a pub with that same personality. Somewhere with brilliant drinks, live music, plenty of games and the kind of atmosphere that makes you forget you were only popping in for one.
“Merrion Street is coming back to life, and we’re excited to be part of its next chapter. We think Jackie will fit right in. And because Jackie’s never been one to turn up empty-handed, the first drink’s on her."
We'll keep you updated on opening times as and when we find out, but for now you can sign up here for a pint of free Guinness. Cheers to that!
Leeds City Council granted £1.6m to tackle rough sleeping by Christmas
Clementine Hall
A £1.6m grant has been given by the government to Leeds City Council to help tackle rough sleeping.
The funding has been allocated to Leeds City Council as part of the Government’s national Rough Sleeping Programme.
The overall target is to help rough sleepovers off the streets by Christmas through providing safe accommodation.
The council have said that voluntary organisations and charities will be able to help them reach this target.
The council report said: "This funding will be used for immediate interventions to ensure all those rough sleeping have an offer of accommodation by Christmas and support longer term sustainment of accommodation.
“The initial target is to provide a suitable offer of accommodation for everyone who is rough sleeping by Christmas 2026.
“Providing a path into supported accommodation and independent living is the key objective and sustaining this independent living with, where necessary, ongoing support to prevent any return to rough sleeping and homelessness.”
The government announcement spoke of the scheme: "The programme is intended to support people experiencing rough sleeping.
"People experiencing rough sleeping may have differing entitlements to housing and support depending on their individual circumstances, including their immigration status and eligibility for public funds."
The funding is intended to help provide immediate support for people currently sleeping on the streets, while also helping them access longer-term accommodation and the support needed to maintain independent living.
By working with local charities and voluntary organisations, the council hopes to ensure people are not only offered a place to stay but are also given the help they need to avoid returning to the streets.
Georgina Pellant -
16th July 2021 
