This is when Leeds Wetherspoons Stick or Twist near First Direct Arena will reopen after £2m development

Stick or Twist, popular with music lovers looking for a pre-gig pint at Leeds Arena, closed in 2018.

The two-storey 'podium' building was knocked down to make way for flats - but as the pub chain has a 90-year lease on the site, it will re-open in a new unit built as part of the development.

Wetherspoons spokesman Eddie Gershon said it is hoped the pub will take over their section of the building by the end of this year and reopen in either the first or second quarter of 2021 (January - June).

Work is still being carried out with developers to get full sign off for the £2m redevelopment.

There was also a Grosvenor Casino on site but that closed in 2016.

Unite Group PLC were given permission to build two tower blocks, one 27-storey and one with 15 floors, on Merrion Way, Tower House Street and Brunswick Terrace, in summer 2018.

Councillors approved the plans as part of proposals to improve the area following concerns that regeneration predicted after the opening of the arena had been slow to happen.

The student apartments were considered 'compatible' with the location.

Around 900 students are expected to live in the flats once completed, and the development will have a basement car park.

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