The Tetley set to get fresh lease of life

A cultural landmark in Leeds is set to be revived.

Plans have been approved to safeguard, restore and adapt the historic The Tetley building, securing its long-term future as a public, cultural and commercial destination on the city’s South Bank.

Vastint UK, the developer behind the wider Aire Park regeneration, has been granted planning permission to refurbish and extend the 92-year-old art deco building. 

The scheme will retain The Tetley’s iconic façade while opening up new areas of the building to the public for the first time.

The proposals will also balance heritage with modern use. 

Upper floors will provide event space alongside around 13,000sq ft of office accommodation, continuing the building’s long-standing link to both culture and commerce. 

Internally, the original boardroom will be restored, preserving historic wood panelling and parquet flooring.

At ground and basement level, previously inaccessible areas will be brought back into active use, including market hall space, facilities and new public areas that reconnect the building with its former brewery footprint. 

As part of Vastint UK’s commitment to inclusivity, The Tetley will also feature Changing Places facilities designed to support people with complex access needs.

Stephen Lindley, managing director at Vastint UK, which acquired the Tetley Building from Carlsberg in 2022, 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.

“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.”

Ahead of refurbishment works, Kirkstall Brewery, which has operated from the site since 2024, will vacate the building in 2026. 

This will allow major upgrades to energy performance and building standards to begin.

Designed by Supervene Architects and Enjoy Design, the plans also include a new two-storey extension with an accessible roof terrace overlooking the Tetley Triangle, positioning the building as “the crown jewel and focal point” within the wider Aire Park development. 

Wesley Dodds, director at Enjoy Design, added: “Rich in detail, history and character, The Tetley is a gem. 

“In collaboration with Supervene and Vastint UK, we have developed a design that looks to the future whilst referencing the past, securing the building’s long-term viability and sustainability. 

“Celebrating The Tetley’s texture over time, with new layers added to the fabric of the building, allows us to confidently display the next chapter as the building passes through 100 years of use.”

Michael Westlake, director at Supervene Architects, added: ‘Built on the original Brewery complex, the idea behind the masterplan was to place a significant green space back into the centre of Leeds, the heart of which was the Tetley headquarters. 

“For the reuse of buildings to be successful it is not just about bringing performance up to modern standards, it has to go hand in hand with future meaning and need. 

“A true team effort, the redevelopment will allow the building to open its doors onto Aire Park and Leeds.”

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