Morley Town Hall: Plans revealed to create cafe and bar inside Victorian Leeds building described as ‘epitome of pride and heritage’

Plans have been drawn up to boost Morley Town Hall as an events venue under the £24.3m transformation plan.

A new bar and cafe is planned for the Grade I-Listed building, along with improvements to its Alexandra concert hall.

Leeds City Council has formally applied for planning permission for the scheme, which includes new doors and windows, a visitor lift and improved acoustics.

A design report said: “The internal development will look to retain important heritage aspects as well as complement them with a new interior design to help promote and reinvigorate the town hall. ”

Cash from the government’s Town Deal Fund was allocated to the town hall, built in the late 1800s, as part of the wider Morley Town Investment Plan.

A feasibility study into possible improvements was carried out in 2022.

The design report said work on Alexandra Hall would include restoring the stage back to its original design and reupholstering gallery seating.

The refurbishment plan was designed to be sympathetic to the building’s Victorian heritage.

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The report said: “Central to the development will be the intention to revitalise an important piece of architecture within Morley and local region.”

Leeds City Council said the project could help the building become more financially self-sufficient.

A heritage report said: “Morley Town Hall is an iconic Grade I-listed building that epitomises the pride and heritage of Morley in its architecture.

“However, this grand Victorian building is currently underused, failing to attract the footfall needed to make the building’s operation sustainable.”