Grade II-listed building in Leeds to be revived with new gym and library

A historic former place of worship can be converted into a gym and library after plans were agreed with the council.

Leeds City Council was asked to approve plans for the conversion of the Union and Congregation Chapel site on Chapeltown Road.

The Grade II-listed building, which was used in the BBC crime drama Better, dates back to the 1870s and was used as a Sikh Gurdwara from the 1960s.

It has been vacant since the late 1990s after a bigger temple was built opposite the building, part of Chapeltown Conservation Area.

A design report by Developer Urban Future urged the council to approve the plans, saying it would bring the derelict building back into use.

It said. “The council cannot expect the building to remain vacant and fall into a state of disrepair.”

Last year, an application to convert the building into a dance studio was blocked by council planners.

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Their report on latest plans for the site said: “The proposal would secure a viable and sustainable future use for a Grade II-listed building within the Chapeltown Conservation Area through its conversion to a library and gym and fitness facility.

“The development would deliver community and recreational benefits, improve accessibility and ensure the continued occupation and maintenance of an important heritage asset.”

The Urban Future report said the Union and Congregation Chapel was used as a Gurdwara from around 1963.

It said: “Newton Park Union Chapel was built there in 1887, serving both Baptist and Congregational worshippers. Part of the site was also used as a synagogue.

“It has been vacant since a new and bigger temple was built opposite in the late 1990s. In 2022 the building was used in the filming of BBC crime series Better.”

Full planning permission was approved in a council decision issued on October 19.