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Leeds favourite building: Town Hall and Grand Theatre shortlisted
AS two of the city's most iconic pieces of Victorian architecture, it's no surprise that Leeds Town Hall and Leeds Grand Theatre both feature in our search for Leeds's favourite building.
Leeds Town Hall was designed by one of the city's most well-known architects, Cuthbert Brodrick, and was opened by Queen Victoria in 1858.
* CLICK HERE TO VOTE FOR LEEDS TOWN HALL.
* CLICK HERE TO VOTE FOR LEEDS GRAND THEATRE.
It was built on The Headrow between 1853 and 1858, just as Leeds emerged as an important centre of the Industrial Revolution.
The venue was nominated by YEP reader David Gibbs, of Sheepscar, Leeds, who said: "I worked in the Town Hall from 1978 to 1993 in the Magistrates Court until it left to take up residence in its present building.
"It is a beautiful building that could not in any way be replicated today."
Leeds Grand Theatre and Opera House was designed by architect George Corson and built in 1878 on New Briggate.
The first performance there was Much Ado About Nothing on November 18, 1878 – and stars that have since trodden the boards include Sarah Bernhardt, Julie Andrews, Felicity Kendal, Morecambe and Wise and Laurence Olivier.
The theatre closed in May 2005 for a major refurbishment, re-opening in October 2006.
The venue was nominated by Susan Whittaker, who said: "Disastrously uncomfortable and fading in its glory before its refurb, it has now been exquisitely restored, inside and out.
"The movement in its vaulted ceiling and the ornate columns that frame the stage and central chandelier are just outstanding."
Key figures from both buildings are also delighted to receive the first nominations in our search.
Lord Mayor of Leeds, Coun Judith Elliott said: "It comes as no surprise that your readers have nominated Leeds Town Hall. At over 150-years-old its magnificent exterior has made it the most famous building in the city.
"The interior is equally grand and is a wonderful venue for the many events that it hosts for the people of Leeds and visitors to the city."
Coun John Procter, chairman of the board of trustees at Leeds Grand Theatre, said: "The Grand is one of the most iconic buildings in Leeds.
Last year saw the opening of the historic Howard Assembly Rooms and Emerald Grand Hall, completing the final part of the 35m Transformation project.
"This nomination by YEP readers is a real honour and recognition of all the hard work that has gone into getting the Grand back to her best."
Once we have revealed all the shortlisted buildings, a vote will be held in the paper and online.
Readers will be asked to vote for their favourite, with the winner announced at the Leeds Architecture Awards on January 28, 2010.
The awards are jointly promoted by Leeds City Council and the Leeds Chamber Property Forum, in association with the Leeds Society of Architects, the Landscape Institute, the Institute of Historic Building Conservation and Leeds Civic Trust.
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Friday 25 May 2012
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