Towering designs show how Leeds Town Hall became top of the clocks

Created in 1857, a year before the building was opened by Queen Victoria, the elaborate illustrations are part of the collection at West Yorkshire Archives Service and include the classical stonework and emblematic owls adorning the tower exterior.

They were prepared as part of the “articles agreement” put together by contractors Addy and Nicholls, who took on the mammoth task of constructing the tower.

The magnificent tower became a key part of famed architect Cuthbert Brodrick’s hugely ambitious designs for the town hall after he had won a competition to land the prestigious job- a common way of selecting architects for major projects in the 19th century.

Although the clock tower was not officially completed until two years after the building’s official opening in 1858, at 225ft high it made Grade I listed Leeds Town Hall the city’s tallest building for the next 108 years.

Alex Pearson, archives assistant with West Yorkshire Archive Service, said: “Leeds Town Hall is still one of Leeds and Yorkshire’s most recognisable and iconic buildings more than 160 years after it was built and the clock tower is as impressive today as it must have been all those years ago.

“When the designers were commissioned, they were given the task of creating a ‘municipal palace’ that would rival some of the best town halls in Europe and demonstrating to the world the success of Victorian Leeds at a time when the city was undergoing rapid growth and industrialisation.

“To get even a glimpse into the incredibly detailed and painstaking process behind the construction of such a grand and historic building is fascinating and shows just why these beautiful heritage buildings stand the test of time.”

The designs, which are available for the public to view by appointment, give a rare insight into the creation of one of the city’s most famous buildings just as its modern-day refurbishment reaches a key new phase.

Modern flooring has been installed in what will be the Leeds Ticket Hub office and new bar areas for visitors and concert-goers are due to be in place within the next few weeks.

The new additions mark the latest stage of a once-in-a-generation project which aims to protect and preserve the town hall’s key heritage features whilst improving and modernising facilities.

The project will allow a bigger and more ambitious programme of accessible events and performances, in turn generating important income for both the council and the wider local economy.

Along with the creation of a stylish new ticket office, accessible entrance and impressive lift as well as the new ground floor bar and toilet, the project will also include conservation and repair of some of the building’s unique features including beautiful stone masonry, elegant plasterwork and doors.

A separate aspect of the project will also see the famous Leeds Town Hall organ refurbished, giving it an improved sound and continued longevity for audiences to enjoy during concerts and performances.

The Leeds Town Hall refurbishment is currently projected for completion in spring/summer 2027, with further updates to follow as the construction process progresses.

Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for economy, said: “Leeds Town Hall is one of the city’s most beloved and impressive heritage building and it’s fascinating to see how the original vision for this cherished part of our urban landscape came into being all those years ago.

“The current project will protect and preserve the very best of those spectacular original features while revitalising the building as a concert and performance venue, generating important income and ensuring it can continue to be a focal point for the city for many more generations to come.”

Details on West Yorkshire Archives Service and how to book appointments can be found at: West Yorkshire Heritage | West Yorkshire Archive Service

More information and updates on the town hall, including upcoming events and how you can support the building by making a donation and being part of fundraising, can be found at: www.leedstownhall.co.uk/support-us

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