The team behind The Tetley says “plans are no longer viable” to reopen in 2024

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.

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.”

You can read the full statement here.

What is happening to The Tetley building?

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.

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.

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.

Read More:

• Plans revealed to give the iconic Tetley building ‘another 100 years of life’
• The Tetley announce shock closure after 10 years in Leeds
• Short Stuff: The rich history of The Tetley Brewery

Feature Image – The Tetley