'˜Uplifting' revamp plan for medieval Leeds manor

Calverley Old Hall is a building of two halves - part holiday let for romantic getaways, part in such a state that it is currently on the Heritage at Risk Register.

But that looks set to change after an international design competition saw 75 architecture firms from across the world submit designs to restore the site.

Nine designs were shortlisted, with the winning firm, Cambridgeshire-based Cowper Griffith, named this week.

Owners the Landmark Trust now hope to secure funding and start work in 2020.

Anna Keay, director of the Landmark Trust, a charity which rescues extraordinary buildings at risk of being lost, restores them and makes them available for short breaks, said: “We saw a really exciting and imaginative range of proposals for the revival of Calverley Old Hall through the competition.

“However the winning design stood out, and won the unanimous support of the panel, for its marriage of real sensitivity to the grade-one listed building with an ingenious approach to creating wonderful, uplifting spaces within and around it.”

The charity will be holding a drop-in session on Monday March 12 at Calverley Old Hall, between 2pm and 4pm, so local residents can view the designs. Information will also be available to view in Calverley Library.