One of the first single-storey factories in the UK, Temple Works was built in 1838 based on the Egyptian Revival designs of engineer James Coombe.
When it was built, it was said that Temple Works was the biggest single room in the world; its 240 horsepower double-beam engine taking up the majority of the space inside. Now, after years of sitting empty, Temple Works is being revived once more after being granted £1 million in funding from the government’s Culture Recovery Fund in 2022.
Find out more about Temple Works’ unusual history by taking a tour of the building below.
7. Temple Works
Temple Works was opened as an arts centre in 2009, with an initial exhibition and tour as part of Leeds Light Night. | James Hardisty Photo: James Hardisty
8. Temple Works
It also featured in the second episode of the third series of Leeds-based TV series DCI Banks. | ITV Photo: ITV
9. Temple Works
December 2008 and a stone pillar in the mill's facade collapsed. | YPN Photo: YPN
10. Temple Works
A slab of millstone grit fell onto the pavement in Marshall Street and the roof parapet above the pillar bowed out. | YPN Photo: YPN
11. Temple Works
Burberry announced plans to use the site for manufacturing in November 2015 However, following the Brexit vote, they put the plans on hold, finally abandoning them in 2017. | Jonathan Gawthorpe Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe
12. Temple Works
The building was put up for auction in 2017 with a starting price of £1. | YPN Photo: YPN