Refurbishments planned for historic Leeds buildings

Buildings on two of the oldest streets in Leeds are set to be refurbished to ensure their “viable future” under newly-submitted plans. The new applications form part of the wider regeneration of the Kirkgate and Crown Square area.City Fusion, supported by Think Architecture, has submitted a pair of applications to Leeds City Council for buildings on Kirkgate and Call Lane in Leeds.Consent is sought for the change of use of 9-11 Call Lane to allow a range of uses, including retail, restaurant/bar and leisure, with the upper floors would also be converted to provide two flats. The proposals cover the repair of the buildings to ensure a “viable future”.Alongside the repair works, the shop fronts would also be replaced with “a more modest glazed front that exposes the original features of the building.The property, which fronts onto Call Lane and Crown Street, is part of a range of late 18th century and early 19th century buildings and is close to the Corn Exchange, Kirkgate Markets, and the First White Cloth Hall.Similar proposals have also been lodged by the applicant for nearby 83 Kirkgate, with the aim of refurbishing the building and securing its long-term future.A new shop front would be installed with the ground floor and basement converted to allow a range of uses, similar to the Call Lane plans. Flats would also be created on the upper floors.The property is a 20th century addition to Kirkgate and it is hoped that the scheme will “significantly improve an important gateway” to the area.The developments form part of a wider masterplan to generate the Kirkgate and Crown Square area. City Fusion is also behind plans approved earlier this year for a mixed-use scheme for 101-104 Kirkgate and the Crown Street Car Park, adjacent to the First White Cloth Hall.