electric press, millenium square

Location: Leeds
Client: Asda St James
Status: Completed 2005
Budget: £7.5 million

Dynamic mixed-use scheme in heart of Leeds
Fronting onto Millenium Square, opposite Leeds City Hall, the project transformed a derelict collection of disused but rather grand warehouse buildings into the vibrant development that the location demands. 

Extensive sensitive refurbishment 
was carried out to the existing structures, including prominent listed buildings.
These now provide numerous bars and cafes on the ground floor, activating the public realm with upper floors providing city-centre workspace, exploiting the generous windows and ceiling heights of the historic buildings.

New performing arts theatre
The brief and theatre design was carried out in close collaboration with developer Asda St James and the Leeds Development Agency to provide a 350 seat Carriageworks Theatre and conference facility.
The new building comprises a finely detailed Portland stone facade to compliment the existing Civic Hall to the north, while the west elevation mediates the varied context by responding also to the adjoining brick buildings.
 
Awards
2005 Leeds Architecture Awards - Best Lighting Award
2005 2005 Leeds Architecture Awards - Best Altered Building Award
 
illustrative site plan
the site is an entire city block in heart of Leeds, fronting onto millennium square
new extension to the historic building fronting onto millennium square
portland stone facade detail complementing the existing red brickwork
materials unifying the transition from stone clad extension to existing brickwork
reused historic buildings have windows added with contemporary detailing
characterful elements of the existing buildings were retained and refurbished
contemporary detailing to new openings in reused facades, create active street frontages
the site in heart of Leeds desperately needed to be reinvigorated to contribute to the city