Cloth Hall Court Leeds: University Plans Conference Upgrade

Cloth Hall Court Leeds set for refurbishment as University of Leeds plans to convert vacant upper floors of the Grade II listed building into a 170-cover commercial conference facility

The University of Leeds has submitted plans to transform the vacant upper floors of Cloth Hall Court Leeds into a modern commercial conference facility. The refurbishment of levels three and four of the Grade II listed building will create a 170-cover dining space, two flexible event spaces, a dedicated welcome area, and a refurbished lecture theatre. While owned by the university, the revitalised spaces will be dedicated to commercial use, strengthening the institution’s wider events offering within the city. The lower two floors of Cloth Hall Court Leeds already operate as successful conference and events facilities. GSSArchitecture is providing architectural and principal designer services, working with Bellrock Consulting, HEXA Consulting Engineers, and Couch Perry Wilkes.

Why This Matters For Leeds

Hospitality in Leeds is growing and the university expanding its commercial conferencing capacity is recognition of this. The Cloth Hall Court’s upper floors could be operational relatively quickly. For the city’s business events sector, more quality conference space means more events hosted in Leeds rather than in Manchester or Birmingham.

What the Cloth Hall Court Leeds Refurbishment Includes

The architectural designs focus on reconfiguring and opening up existing rooms to create welcoming, adaptable spaces for a variety of uses. Key features include the 170-cover dining space, two flexible event rooms that can be configured for different formats, a new welcome area, and a refurbished lecture theatre. Underused areas have been reimagined to provide improved support and wellbeing facilities aligned with modern conferencing requirements. As a Grade II listed building, all interventions have been carefully designed to respect the architectural and heritage significance. The design team has worked to establish an interior style that is distinct from but considerate of the existing building, with a focus on reusing materials where possible to reflect the university’s commitment to sustainable design.

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“This project represents a sensitive and thoughtful revitalisation of an iconic Grade II listed building, balancing heritage preservation with the creation of a high-quality, commercially viable conference facility that will reinforce Cloth Hall Court’s position as a premier conference and events destination within the city centre.”

— David Blakey, Senior Director, Bellrock Consulting

Expanding Events Capacity in the City Centre

Cloth Hall Court sits on Quebec Street, one of the most prominent locations in the city centre. The expansion into levels three and four will significantly increase the university’s commercial events capacity at a time when demand for conference and events space in Leeds is growing. Alex Proctor of GSSArchitecture said the project demonstrates how universities can adapt their estates to ensure long-term sustainability. Bellrock Consulting is providing project management and cost management services. The plans are currently with Leeds City Council for determination. The project adds to a growing pipeline of conferencing and events investment across the city, alongside the Royal Armouries Tiltyard, the room2 hotel’s meeting and events space, and the ongoing use of the Royal Armouries as the venue for UKREiiF.