‘Future secured’ for The Tetley as redevelopment plans approved by Leeds City Council

Vastint UK, the developer behind the 24-acre Aire Park district on Leeds’ South Bank, has received planning permission for its plans to refurbish and extend the Tetley building.

The proposals safeguard the 92-year-old building's future, improving accessibility and retaining the Art Deco façade. New areas will also open to the public for the first time.

Vastint UK emphasised that its commitment to preserving the building’s history extends beyond its physical structure, aiming to maintain The Tetley’s enduring relationship with both culture and commerce. The upper floor will be dedicated to hosting events and providing 13,000 square feet of office space.

Stephen Lindley, Managing Director at Vastint UK, said: “The Tetley is an iconic building within Leeds, and we’re privileged to have it at the heart of the Aire Park development.

“As custodians of this important piece of the city’s history, we have been working hard to ensure we continue the building’s evolution to meet the needs of its community, while also preserving what is an important part of the city’s architectural, business and cultural history, for another century.”

The plans, which have been approved by Leeds City Council, show the Tetley boardroom restored with original wood panelling and parquet flooring retained.

For the first time, the basement - which once linked the building to the wider brewery site - will be accessible to the public. The ground floor will also feature a market hall and additional amenities.

As part of the developer’s commitment to inclusivity, The Tetley will also feature Changing Places facilities, designed to ensure that everyone can access the bathrooms, including people with disabilities, varying access needs, and those who rely on carers or specialist equipment.

Kirkstall Brewery, which has operated from the building since April 2024, will vacate the premises later in 2026 to allow refurbishment works to begin.

Mr Lindley continued: “Since we acquired the building, our plans have always been to protect and bring the full building into active use so that the next generation of entrepreneurs can follow the example set by Joshua Tetley and not just start a business but scale it, within the heart of the city.

“However, The Tetley has always been about more than commerce, it’s been a place for the community, which is why we’ve committed to creating a variety of spaces within the building, including public amenities such as a Changing Places facility, food and drink opportunities and event spaces, which will be accessible to all.

“Ultimately, this project is unique in its scope, as it not only adds to the wider Aire Park and South Bank ambitions, but also ensures a major landmark continues to play an active role in the future of Leeds.”