Temple Works is a former flax mill in Holbeck and was the largest single room in the world when built in 1838. The Grade I listed building, also known as Temple Mills, has a stone facade consisting of 18 full-height windows separated by 18 pillars with an overhanging cornice in the Egyptian style, based on the temple at Antaeopolis and the Temple of Horus at Edfu. The factory building derived from the Typhonium at Dendera. The long term future of the now derelict building has endured its fair share of false dawns down the decades. Fast forward to 2025 and the Government has pledged £10 million to bring it into public ownership and a new home for the British Library in Leeds. READ MORE: Seven lost wonders of Leeds you may not know about LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia
13. Temple Works
The building was put up for auction in 2017 with a starting price of £1. | YPN Photo: YPN
14. Temple Works
CEG bought the building and gave an estimate of £35 million for the restoration works in June 2019, with the building forming part of plans for regeneration of the South Bank of Leeds. Pictured is development director, Jonathan Kenny, owners of the building. | James Hardisty Photo: James Hardisty
15. Temple Works
Temple Works, also known as Temple Mills, was recognised with a blue plaque from Leeds Civic Trust in September 2018. | Tony Johnson Photo: Tony Johnson
16. Temple Works
The Government has announced £10 million will be spent on revamping the building to create a new home for the British Library. | LCC Photo: LCC
17. Temple Works
Leeds City Council leader, Coun James Lewis, said: “We were very pleased to welcome the Deputy Prime Minister to Temple Works... so she could see first-hand what this remarkable heritage asset is all about." | LCC Photo: LCC
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