Vastint UK has secured planning consent for its ambitious plans to refurbish and extend the iconic Tetley building on Leeds’ South Bank.
The art deco facade of the 92-year-old building will be retained and the upper floors are earmarked for event space and 13,000 sq ft of office accommodation.
The Tetley boardroom will be restored, with the original wood panelling and parquet flooring retained, and the basement, which previously connected the building to the wider brewery site, will be brought into active public use for the first time and will house market hall space and amenities.
The designs by Supervene and Enjoy Design also include plans to replace the single-storey extension to the north of the building with a new two-storey extension, which will include an accessible roof terrace overlooking the Tetley Triangle public realm.
Stephen Lindley, managing director of Vastint UK, said: “The Tetley is an iconic building within Leeds, and we’re privileged to have it at the heart of the Aire Park development. As custodians of this important piece of the city’s history, we have been working hard to ensure we continue the building’s evolution to meet the needs of its community, while also preserving what is an important part of the city’s architectural, business and cultural history, for another century.
“Since we acquired the building, our plans have always been to protect and bring the full building into active use so that the next generation of entrepreneurs can follow the example set by Joshua Tetley and not just start a business but scale it, within the heart of the city. However, The Tetley has always been about more than commerce, it’s been a place for the community which is why we’ve committed to creating a variety of spaces within the building including public amenities such as a Changing Places facility, food and drink opportunities and event spaces, which will be accessible to all.
“Ultimately this project is unique in its scope, as it not only adds to the wider Aire Park and South Bank ambitions, but also ensures a major landmark continues to play an active role in the future of Leeds.”
Wesley Dodds, director at Enjoy Design, added: “Rich in detail, history and character The Tetley is a gem. In collaboration with Supervene and Vastint UK, we have developed a design that looks to the future whilst referencing the past, securing the building’s long-term viability and sustainability. Celebrating The Tetley’s texture over time, with new layers added to the fabric of the building, allows us to confidently display the next chapter as the building passes through 100 years of use.”
Michael Westlake, director at Supervene Architects, said: ‘Built on the original brewery complex, the idea behind the masterplan was to place a significant green space back into the centre of Leeds, the heart of which was the Tetley headquarters. For the reuse of buildings to be successful it is not just about bringing performance up to modern standards it has to go hand in hand with future meaning and need. A true team effort, the redevelopment will allow the building to open its doors onto Aire Park and Leeds.”
Vastint UK acquired the Tetley building from Carlsberg in 2022 and since then has been working on its plans to make the iconic landmark the focal point for its mixed-use Aire Park development.
