Royal Armouries redevelopment moves towards 2027 planning submission
The proposed £100m waterfront development will be built on the Tiltyard site in Leeds’ South Bank and centre around a new 38,000 sq ft exhibition and events hall.
The project is moving through the final stages of options appraisal, with the museum also finalising appointments to the project team, expected to be announced over the coming weeks and months.
Creating more than 86,000 sq ft of conference and events space, alongside new cultural, hospitality, and leisure facilities, the wider scheme would more than double the Royal Armouries’ existing facilities.
The proposals come as the Royal Armouries marks its 30th anniversary, and the development is intended to enable Leeds and West Yorkshire to bid for larger national and international conferences and events.
Currently, as readers of Place Yorkshire will know, the venue hosts the annual UKREiiF event – although each year there is speculation as to when the real estate exhibition will move to a new city.
The Tiltyard currently houses the museum’s outdoor jousting arena.
Under the proposals, the jousting facilities would be significantly expanded as part of the redevelopment.
The project is currently undergoing a final options appraisal, with the existing options each showing a cost-benefit ratio of at least 3:1, according to the Royal Armouries. A planning application is expected to be submitted to Leeds City Council next year.
Nat Edwards, director general of The Royal Armouries Museum said: “We have a once in a lifetime opportunity to do something really exciting here.
“Over the past three decades, we have provided enjoyment and entertainment and food for thought for millions of people, and our plans set out the route towards bringing this experience to millions more.
“We’re proud to be progressing one of the most important regeneration schemes of any city in the North today, and realising the once in a generation opportunities this development will bring, adding huge value to the city and region.”
Ed Whiting, chief executive of Leeds City Council said: “The Royal Armouries is a jewel in this city’s crown. Having a nationally significant museum on our doorstep provides opportunities for local people and also drives tourism and investment into the city and region.
“This project will act as a catalyst for regeneration and particularly the expansion of this part of the city in the coming years.”
Benjamin Campbell, venue director at the Royal Armouries added: “Hosting major events in recent years has underlined this venue’s ability to attract large conferences and exhibitions to the city, bringing millions of pounds into the regional economy.
“This project will further improve our events offer and ensure that we are able to host events of even greater magnitude in the coming years, bringing further economic benefits.
“I’m delighted that the huge majority of our events space will remain fully open while we undertake this exciting project. We have already signed up new and existing event customers to take advantage of this unique space as our development plans progress.”
