Article Summary

In the past few years, Leeds has undergone a development boom. From brand new and exciting districts like SOYO, to increasing numbers of luxury build-to-rent developments like Phoenix, huge levels of Leeds investment are making it one of the country’s most thriving cities.

But it isn’t just new development projects that are underway in the city. Leeds boasts a long and fascinating history, which comes numerous historic buildings. As part of the city’s rejuvenation works, many of these buildings are now being given a new lease of live through new Leeds investment projects.

Here are five of the most exciting of these redevelopment projects on historic buildings in Leeds.

1. Temple Works

The story of the Grade-I listed Temple Works reflects the industrial past of Leeds itself. Starting out as a Victorian flax mill and containing the world’s biggest single room at the time, it later became the northern headquarters for the mail order catalogue company Kays & Co Ltd.

However, by 1981 things had started to go downhill for Temple Works and by 2004 the building was vacant.

But a new £25million government-funded Leeds investment seems to have secured its future. It is the preferred site of the new British Library of the North, creating a further cultural centre for Leeds. Timelines for completion are still to be confirmed.

2. St Mary’s Church

The Grade II-listed St Mary’s Church is one of the oldest in Leeds, having opened in 1851. But it has stood abandoned and unused since 1989 – until now.

A new project will transform the church into a unique apartment building of 175 one-, two- and three-bedroom units. Architects Brewster Bye are committed to conserving as much of the original church as possible, ensuring this piece of Leeds history is protected for years to come.

3. First White Cloth Hall

Another building that reflects the industrial heritage of Leeds is First White Cloth Hall. Built in 1711 as a location for the sale of undyed cloth by local merchants, it was left vacant in the middle of the 20th century.

But now, a £2millon Leeds investment project will bring First White Cloth Hall back to life. With works currently underway, the project will enable people to enjoy the building as a food, drink and retail hub.

4. 
   

   Midland Mills

These Grade II-listed buildings in the in-demand area of Holbeck were originally used as flax mills at the beginning of the 1800s. They continued to function as textile factories until 1981, after which they were used by a number of light industry businesses but otherwise left to deteriorate.

In another residential redevelopment project, the mills will be transformed into 22 flats. The remaining space at Midland Mills will become 4,750 sq ft of commercial space, with a further construction of a 32-story skyscraper housing 284 apartments, a gym, lounge and cinema nearby.

5. The Old Leeds Dispensary

Another project to transform a historical building into unique apartments is at The Old Leeds Dispensary.

This Grade II-listed building was built in 1904, when it was used as an accident and emergency hospital until 1971. It then become the location of the Leeds Deaf and Blind Society, but has now stood vacant for nearly a decade.

The new plans will renovate the original building and add an extension. Once complete, there will be 79 apartments and space for retail and leisure units on the site.

What is property investment?

Put simply, property investment is property purchased with the intention of generating financial returns for its buyer. These returns could be in the form of rental income through buy-to-let properties, house price growth through the future sale of the property or both. Property investments can be owned by individuals or organisations and can be short, long or medium term.

Contact us

To find out which property investment opportunities are available on the Leeds market now, or to learn more about how property investment works, get in touch with the experts at North Property Group today.