Popular Leeds arts and foodie venue The Tetley closed its doors at the end of last year.
Originally, the plans were to continue its artistic programme this year, but will move off the site.
The team behind The Tetley announced that they had "been working hard to identify a new home in Leeds with several partners, collaborating on what seemed like very promising outcomes – but due to the financial climate these plans have not materialised".
And this means that the plan to open a new venue in Leeds City Centre are no longer viable.
In a heartfelt statement the team explained that "The Tetley building made all sorts of things possible for us. We welcomed over a million visitors, presented Yorkshire’s only Turner Prize winning exhibition, supported artists in developing their careers and reached thousands of children and families through our Tiny Tetley Studio and workshops. We’re immensely proud of everything we’ve achieved".
Confirmed projects like Inside Out, ‘a new participatory art project designed to facilitate children’s play in collaboration with communities and partner organisations in Beeston and Beeston Hill’, are still taking place and there's also a play project in collaboration with Hamara Healthy Living Centre and Rowland Road WMC, and Town Island, a artist Benaiah Matheson’s presentation supported by us to go to the Venice Biennale to look forward to.
Some of the confirmed 2024 projects are still going ahead. / Image: The Tetley
The Tetley says it is working closely with Arts Council England and Leeds City Council and prioritising its "mission as a charity as we search for a new home".
"To mark this new chapter, we’ll announce a new name and identity later in 2024."
"We believe in the power and importance of contemporary art – and it’s what we’ll continue to champion, support and make happen.
"So, we’ll see you soon. Not at The Tetley, but perhaps at the train station; in your nearby community centre; your local park; or across the streets of our city."
Vastint UK is the developer behind the plans for the 92-year-old building, which will be a part of Aire Park – the 24-acre, multi-use district on Leeds’ South Bank.
Image: Vastint
The new proposals of The Tetley include roof terraces, a new cellar bar and restaurant as well as the retention of many historic features, including the war memorial and the boardroom.
The Tetley building will be the focal point for the Aire Park district which includes up to 1,400 new homes and 85,000 m2 of office space.
Image: Vastint UK
The proposed plans include:
The basement level being transformed into a bar and restaurant area and opened up to the public for the first time in the building’s history
The ground floor to 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
Office space will appear on the second and third floors of the building
An extension will be added to the eastern façade of the building, which has traditionally always been connected to other buildings within the brewery complex
You can find out more about the history of The Tetley building and why its become such an iconic Leeds landmark here.
Singer-songwriter Myles Smith has just announced his biggest headline tour and is set to play a huge arena gig in Leeds this year.
Quit ‘Stargazing’ and get ready to fight for tickets as Myles Smith has just announced he’ll be visiting Leeds later this year for his biggest arena gig to date.
Known for hits like ‘Nice To Meet You’, ‘Stay (If You Wanna Dance)’ and ‘Wait For You’, this BRIT School graduate is now heading on the road for some headline shows across the UK.
Recognised for his folk-pop sound, Smith has built quite a name for himself just three or so years into his career, with solo efforts and a few collaborations under his belt.
Myles Smith is heading to First Direct Bank Arena, Leeds, on tour this year / Credit: Press shots (supplied)
Recently, the Luton-born artist collaborated with some well-known names like Shaboozey on their track ‘Blink Twice’ and even features on a new single from former One Direction member Niall Horan titled ‘Drive Safe’.
It was only last year that the ‘Stargazing’ songwriter visited Leeds, bringing his high-energy hits to O2 Academy back in February.
Now, Smith is ready to tackle an arena crowd and has chosen Leeds First Direct Bank Arena and is expected to raise the roof when 13,500 fans flock to the star’s show this winter.
Titled after his upcoming album My Mess, My Life, My Heart, Smith will be playing a variety of well-known and brand new hits when he makes his way up North.
Fans who are signed up to the official artist presale can get exclusive access to tickets from Wednesday, 25 March at 10am, with the window closing on Friday, 27 March at 9am.
Meanwhile, general admission tickets go live by 10 am that same Friday (27 Mar).
Myles Smith is embarking on his ‘My Mess, My Life, My Heart’ tour this winter and visiting First Direct Bank Arena, Leeds on Sunday 8 November – tickets and more info HERE.
Leeds city centre crowned one of the best places to live in the north by The Sunday Times
Clementine Hall
Today, Leeds city centre earned itself a coveted spot in the annual Sunday Times Best Places to Live guide.
What brilliant news to end the week on, hey?
Leeds city centre was amongst eight other locations across the north and the north east to be featured on the list.
The market town of Skipton took home the dazzling first prize, but it's still nice to be included isn't it.
Here's what the judges had to say about Leeds city centre: “Leeds has five universities, the fourth largest urban economy in the UK (with job opportunities in finance, insurance and big business), a youthful vibe and a relatively affordable average house price (£285,100).
Image: Unsplash
“Stay close to the centre, where you won’t have to worry about the patchy public transport, and it all adds up to a fun-filled, fulfilled life within walking distance of stylish shops, cafés, bars and restaurants. There’s a good choice of riverside homes, where you may spot kingfishers and otters, and even the schools are good.”
In total, 72 places across the UK were selected by The Sunday Times to showcase the very best of Britain, with Norwich named the overall national winner.
The full list of locations in the north and northeast include:
Skipton
Howardian Hills, North Yorkshire
Leeds city centre
Morpeth, Northumberland
Newcastle: Gosforth
Saltburn-by-the-Sea, North Yorkshire
Slaithwaite, West Yorkshire
York
Helen Davies, editorial projects director and Best Places to Live editor, said: “This guide is a great opportunity to highlight the best places in Britain.
“It is full of places that show that our village, town and city centres can still be full of life, as well as places bursting with natural beauty, culture, connectivity and most importantly a sense of community.
“Our expert team of judges visit every location on the list and talk to the locals to find out what they love about the place they live."
Sophie Smith -
14th March 2024 
