Howard Assembly Room, Leeds Grand Theatre

The contemporary transformation of a Victorian gem in Leeds.

The Assembly Room, part of the Opera North Centre is the second phase and culmination of a £32m campaign, which started in 2005 with the renovation of Leeds Grand Theatre .
It reveals the former assembly room painstakingly restored to their original Victorian splendour, with a barrel vaulted ceiling, arched windows and gothic motif decoration.
It provides a 350-seat flexible performance space which is home to the orchestra of Opera North and an exciting new venue in Leeds showing an eclectic programme.

Phase 2 also comprises The Emerald Grand Hall and a new glass link bridge spanning Harrison Street and linking the opera centre to the theatre.

See also: Leeds Grand Theatre

Brief

  • restoration and modernisation sympathetic to the remaining features of the Grade II* listed building
  • a space to showcase the best of contemporary work including film, music, spoken word and theatre

Results

  • the successful fusion of contemporary and classical styles
  • extensive renovation which has combined the distinctive features of the original design with new elements to create a very modern space for live performances and an eclectic gathering of people

Facts

Location: Leeds
Client: Leeds Grand Theatre & Leeds City Council
Construction cost: 16m
Completed: 2009

Integrated services

architecture, structural engineering, environmental engineering, acoustics

Links to images