Constructed in 1711, the White Cloth Hall on Kirkgate is the first of four halls built over the last three centuries for the sale of undyed cloth, and one of only two halls that remain standing to this day in the city.
Yet after years of changes in use, by 2010 the Grade II listed building had fallen into a state of disrepair, leading to its partial demolition. However, all hope was not lost for this Leeds landmark.
Thanks to years of campaigning for its preservation and renovation, restoration works began in 2019 after it Leeds City Council granted Rushbond Group permission to save the structure.
Now, with a blend of new and old features, the building stands strong on Kirkgate and remains an iconic part of Leeds’s history. Read the full story of the historic First White Cloth Hall below.
Thanks to years of campaigning for its preservation and renovation, restoration works began in 2019 after it Leeds City Council granted Rushbond Group permission to save the structure.
![Interestingly, analysis of tree rings at White Cloth Hall has found that parts of the building could be dated to the mid-14th century - much earlier than expected given the opening of the cloth hall in the early 18th century.](https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjJjMzJmM2QxLWUwNzktNGFlMy1iNDBlLWNiNjZmMzIxYzY0Njo1ODdlZDIxNy0zOGZmLTQzNDctODAxNy0xYzNiMzNkYTdjN2M=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=640)
7. Parts could be dated back to mid-14th century
Interestingly, analysis of tree rings at White Cloth Hall has found that parts of the building could be dated to the mid-14th century - much earlier than expected given the opening of the cloth hall in the early 18th century.Photo: MEL HULME
![The restoration now includes a complete reinstatement of the original West Wing, which was lost during demolition in 2010. There is also a top-lit atrium in place of the former central courtyard, and a new circulation core on the building’s southern elevation to create a visual link to Leeds’ Crown Square and Corn Exchange.](https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjlkYWRhYjgzLTMyNTQtNDQwNi1hODA1LWNjMTNiZmRjY2Q0OTo2ZjQ4MTc0Zi05N2ZmLTRlNjUtYmVhMC1hMTI2NzQ2OGI3Mjc=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=640)
8. Restoration includes visual link to Corn Exchange
The restoration now includes a complete reinstatement of the original West Wing, which was lost during demolition in 2010. There is also a top-lit atrium in place of the former central courtyard, and a new circulation core on the building’s southern elevation to create a visual link to Leeds’ Crown Square and Corn Exchange.Photo: Gary Longbottom