Law firm’s former home set for transformation

Plans have been drawn up to “inject a new lease of life” into a Leeds city centre building, previously occupied by a law firm until its relocation earlier this year, with the existing office suites set to be converted into a restaurant and hotel.Nick Brown Architects has drawn up proposals for the transformation of Protection House at 16-17 East Parade, formerly the home of hlw Keeble Hawson until its move to Evans Property Group’s Capitol office building in Bond Court.The proposed development involves adding almost 5,300 sq ft of commercial space for a restaurant or bar on the lower and ground floor, with a new extension and landscaped courtyard to the rear.Above would be a hotel or serviced apartments, comprising 11 one-bed studios, a one-bed duplex and a two-bed unit. The rear extension would also feature seven residential properties.The documents added that although Protection House is not listed, the proposed design is “respectful to the existing building”.