Vastint UK Secures Planning for Refurbishment of Leeds Tetley Building

Vastint UK, the developer behind Aire Park, the 24-acre mixed-use district on Leeds’ South Bank, has received planning permission for its ambitious plans to refurbish and extend the iconic Tetley building.

The developer’s proposals, which not only guarantee the future of the 92-year-old building but also increase the building’s accessibility so that it can be used by all, will see the retention of the art deco façade as well as the opening up of new areas to the public for the first time.

Vastint UK’s ambition to preserve the history of the building goes beyond bricks and mortar. The plans continue The Tetley’s long-standing connection with both culture and commerce, with the upper floors earmarked for event space and 13,000 sq ft of office accommodation.

The plans which have received planning permission from Leeds City Council show the Tetley boardroom will be restored, with the original wood panelling and parquet flooring retained. Alongside this the basement, previously connecting the building with the wider brewery site, will be brought into active public use for the first time and the ground floor will be home to market hall space and amenities. As part of Vastint UK’s commitment to inclusivity, the Tetley will also feature Changing Places facilities, which have been specifically designed so that everyone, regardless of their access needs or disability or reliance on assistance of carers or specialist equipment, can use a bathroom facility.

Prior to the refurbishment works starting, Kirkstall Brewery which has been operating out of The Tetley building since April 2024 will vacate the premises later in 2026. This will allow Vastint UK to begin work bringing the historic building up to modern standards, and major improvements to its energy performance.

The designs by Supervene and Enjoy Design look to balance new modern essentials whilst retaining important historic aspects of both the interior and exterior of the building, including the Tetley Boardroom on the second floor. The designs also include plans to replace the single storey extension to the north of the building with a new two storey extension which will include an accessible roof terrace overlooking the Tetley Triangle public realm.

Stephen Lindley, Managing Director at Vastint UK, 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.”

Vastint UK acquired the Tetley Building from Carlsberg in 2022 and since then has been working on its plans to make the iconic landmark the crown jewel and focal point for Aire Park, Leeds’ newest mixed-use district, which includes a new eight-acre city centre green park, up to 1,350 news homes and 800,000 sq ft of office space.

Wesley Dodds, director at Enjoy Design commented: “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.”

To find out more information about Vastint UK’s plans for The Tetley or the wider Aire Park Development visit www.airepark.co.uk.