New chapter for ‘much-loved’ Leeds building as property firm completes restoration

Property company Rushbond has completed its part of a project to turn the former York Road Library into a state-of-the-art gym and fitness centre.

The firm, based in Leeds, led on a comprehensive transformation programme to bring the Grade II-listed property back into use and build a new contemporary extension of the historic building.

Low-cost gym operator The Gym Group is now undertaking a full fit-out of the 16,000 sq ft scheme, creating fitness suites, weights rooms and studio space.

Originally designed for Leeds City Council by Architects HA Chapman and launched in 1903, the library is located on a key strategic gateway into Leeds city centre.

The stone-and-brick building has sat empty and unused since the library closed down in the 1970s.

Mark Finch, Rushbond’s director of real estate, said: “This is a much-loved Leeds icon, which holds memories for so many people including local residents and all those who visited the Library or went to the baths for their school swimming lessons!

“Finding new and suitable uses for such historic assets is often challenging and particularly when it’s important to remain true to its heritage, but in many respects a gym is an ideal use and the building can once again contribute to the health and wellbeing of the local community.”

He continued: “The highly recognisable character features of the building, such as the clock and the ‘Leeds Owl’ mosaic in the entrance hall, have all been painstakingly restored. Features such as these will really add to the experience of working out and getting fit in a facility operated by one of the country’s leading gym operators.”

The Gym Group’s Adam Haines, general manager for the new fitness centre, commented: “We are really looking forward to opening our latest Leeds gym in this remarkable building.

“It is a great location and the building is full of fascinating features. Combined with The Gym Group’s award-winning service and high specification equipment, we are confident that this gym will exceed any other offer in the area and we are working hard to make this facility available for the local community as soon as we practically can.”

Martin Hamilton, director at Leeds Civic Trust, said of the project: “This building, an important listed heritage asset, could so easily have been lost forever, so Leeds Civic Trust welcomes the imaginative reuse and restoration of this building, and are pleased that its future has been secured.”

The gym is due to open later this summer.