Busy Leeds café gets go ahead to expand in historic arcade
A busy independent café in Leeds’ historic Queens Arcade will expand after being given the green light.
Olive and Rye, has been given permission to knock through into a neighbouring vacant unit in grade II-listed Queens Arcade.
The independent business said an expansion was needed to cope with demand for its locally-sourced food, coffee and cakes.
Leeds City Council granted listed building consent for alterations which will see the business occupy numbers 18-22 of the arcade.
A heritage report by the applicant said: “Olive and Rye is very busy and one of the most thriving businesses in Queens Arcade.
“If the business is to expand and continue to bring people into the arcade, we feel these changes are necessary.”
Changes will be made to walls, doors and stairs in the building, along with new signage on the outside.
More ground floor seating and improved kitchen facilities would be provided.
A council planning officer’s report said the project would not harm historic features of the arcade, part of the City Centre Conservation Area.
It said: “The proposed works are considered to have a positive impact on the heritage asset by preserving its architectural character and ensuring its continued viable use as a retail unit.
“The alterations are proportionate, reversible and sensitive to the building’s significance.”