Opera North announces plans for new music and arts centre in Leeds

Opera North, England’s national opera company in Leeds, has been granted planning permission for a redevelopment project which will create a centre for music in the city.

The proposal, which has previously received the support of Leeds City Council’s executive board, was approved by the City Plans Panel on August 23.

The plans will create improved facilities for artists and for audiences, as well as a new education centre to house Opera North’s extensive programme of arts activities for children, young people and families.

A new restaurant and bar will regenerate a commercial section of New Briggate, replacing a row of four vacant shop units directly beneath the Howard Assembly Room and adjacent to Leeds Grand Theatre.

The Howard Assembly Room will have its own entrance and box office next to the restaurant, with a new atrium space providing direct stairs and lift access and improved front of house facilities.

Richard Mantle, general director of Opera North, said: “Following this successful outcome for our planning application, we will now move forward with the redevelopment work to create [an] arts hub to meet the needs of our audiences, our artistic company, and our home city of Leeds.

“We believe the development will result in real enhancements to both the day and night-time economy and culture of New Briggate and the Grand Quarter and will act as a catalyst for further improvements in the surrounding public space.

“I am delighted to say that we have already secured a significant level of funding from private and public sources, and this autumn will see the launch of a large-scale fundraising campaign, to raise the remaining funds needed to fully realise this £18m project and deliver a vibrant cultural programme, placing music in the heart of Leeds.”

The Howard Assembly Room celebrates its 10th anniversary in January 2019.

Further development of Opera North’s estate on Harrison Street, between New Briggate and Vicar Lane, will create an artistic hub for the company’s creative work.