The Tetley’s next round: Approval granted for landmark refurb

Vastint has been given the green light to refurbish and extend the iconic 92-year old building on Leeds South Bank, as part of its wider Aire Park development.

Designed by Supervene and Enjoy Design, plans include increasing the building’s accessibility, retaining the art-deco façade, and opening up more areas to the public for the first time.

The designs also include plans to replace the single storey extension to the north of the building with a new two storey extension that will include an accessible roof terrace overlooking the Tetley Triangle public realm.

Planit is the landscape architect for the project, designing the Tetley’s two terraces and public realm, continuing its work on the wider masterplan, including the adjacent eight-acre public park.

The basement, which previously connected the building with the wider brewery site, will be made open to the public for the first time, the ground floor will be used as a market hall space, and the upper floors have been earmarked for event space and 13,000 sq ft of office space.

Prior to the refurbishment works starting, Kirkstall Brewery which has been operating out of The Tetley building since April 2024 will vacate the premises later in 2026.

This will allow Vastint to begin work bringing the historic building up to modern standards, and major improvements to its energy performance.

Vastint UK acquired the Tetley Building from Carlsberg in 2022 and since then has been working on its plans to make the  landmark the focal point for the development.

Aire Park is an ongoing 24-acre mixed-use district that, when complete, will combine public realm, 700,000–800,000 sq ft of grade-A office accommodation, 1,350 homes, and approximately 40,000-54,000 sq ft of retail, leisure, and flexible space for cafes, bars, and restaurants.

Stephen Lindley, managing director at Vastint UK, said: “As custodians of this important piece of the city’s history, we have been working hard to ensure we continue the building’s evolution to meet the needs of its community, while also preserving what is an important part of the city’s architectural, business and cultural history, for another century.

“Since we acquired the building, our plans have always been to protect and bring the full building into active use so that the next generation of entrepreneurs can follow the example set by Joshua Tetley and not just start a business but scale it, within the heart of the city.

“However, The Tetley has always been about more than commerce, it’s been a place for the community which is why we’ve committed to creating a variety of spaces within the building including public amenities such as a Changing Places facility, food and drink opportunities, and event spaces, which will be accessible to all.

“Ultimately this project is unique in its scope, as it not only adds to the wider Aire Park and South Bank ambitions, but also ensures a major landmark continues to play an active role in the future of Leeds.”

Wesley Dodds, director at Enjoy Design commented: “Rich in detail, history and character The Tetley is a gem. In collaboration with Supervene and Vastint UK, we have developed a design that looks to the future whilst referencing the past, securing the building’s long-term viability and sustainability.

“Celebrating The Tetley’s texture over time, with new layers added to the fabric of the building, allows us to confidently display the next chapter as the building passes through 100 years of use.”

Michael Westlake, director at Supervene Architects added: ‘Built on the original Brewery complex, the idea behind the masterplan was to place a significant green space back into the centre of Leeds, the heart of which was the Tetley Headquarters.

“For the reuse of buildings to be successful it is not just about bringing performance up to modern standards it has to go hand in hand with future meaning and need.”