Plans unveiled to transform Leeds city centre bar Dirty Martini into new live music venue
Plans have been submitted to transform the bar
A new live music venue could be created in Leeds after a bar company applied to convert part of a listed building.
Plans have been drawn up for a refurbishment at Grade-II listed Atlas House, currently Dirty Martini bar.
The site at 31 King Street would become The Room Where It Happens if Leeds City Council agrees to planning permission.
A design report said the development would secure the long-term use of the building, which dates back to 1910.
It said: “The project secures the ongoing active use of an established city-centre hospitality venue through a carefully targeted refurbishment.
“This approach reduces unnecessary replacement and disturbance while supporting the maintenance and long-term conservation of Atlas House.”
The scheme would see a “light-touch” interior refurbishment carried out on the building, which contains existing bar areas.
The report said: “The design establishes The Room Where It Happens as a live music destination through a renewed interior atmosphere, rather than through extensive building alteration.
“Retaining the established hospitality use and much of the existing fit-out allows the building to continue functioning as an active city-centre venue, supporting its long-term upkeep.”
A performance stage and upgraded bar equipment would be added as part of investment in the building, the applicant Nightcap PLC said.
A listed building application is out for consultation until November 18.
The report by Dakota House of Design said: “The Room Where It Happens is a carefully developed refurbishment of an existing hospitality venue within Grade-II listed Atlas House.
“Changes are concentrated on finishes, furniture, a modest performance stage, decorative installations and essential equipment upgrades.
“This measured approach refreshes the premises without substantial alteration to the building’s historic form or external appearance.”