Two imposing figures have been anchored in place to cast their gaze over Leeds’s City Square for many years to come.
The Greek statues, known as Music and Poetry, have been installed as the final piece in the restoration jigsaw of the grade II-listed former Majestic cinema and nightclub, which stands next to Leeds railway station and the Queens hotel.
Having been empty since 2006, plans to convert the building into a leisure facility with a basement music venue with bars and a restaurant above it were hatched by Leeds-based developer Rushbond plc.
The flagship 35,000 sq ft venue, which first opened its doors in 1922, now features a glazing that floods the building with natural light.
Its centrepiece is a south-facing roof terrace which is where the two statues have been placed - their adoring gaze staring down at the thousands of commuters who pour through City Square every day.
Rushbond’s managing director Jonathan Maud said: “The Majestic occupies a fantastic location.
“Tens of thousands of people pass the building every day so it offers a level of footfall that is almost unrivalled anywhere in the North of England.
“The building has been one of the city centre’s leading entertainment venues for almost 100 years.
“Its past uses have included a cinema, ballroom, bingo hall and nightclub.
“And the completion of this work will hopefully safeguard its future and enable it to enjoy another successful chapter in its lifespan.”
The imposing statues replace original stone works of art that were removed several years ago.
The near two and a half metre-tall pieces, along with four large urns, were made at Pinewood Studios near London by a company that has recently been working on a 50ft statue for a new James Bond film.
Mr Maud said: “The roof terrace is another unique stand out feature that enjoys great views.
“Recreating the statues of Music and Poetry is a further highlight and it’s great to see them looking out over City Square again.”
Units inside the famous city centre venue are being marketed to national and regional leisure companies.
Agents Pudney Shuttleworth along with Savills are marketing the scheme.
They can be contacted on 0113 3444 444 or 0207 499 8644 respectively.
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