Like the previous thread, this thread is for developments in this area such as the Civic Theatre (Electric Press, Carriageworks).

http://www.bbc.co.uk/leeds/content/webcams/millenium_square_webcam.shtml Millennium Square now.

View the webcam now! (19:17, Monday 18th July is now) Millennium Square is well lit on the webcam with the sun! Good time to view it!

Gothicform says the lost threads will be returned. There isn't much point in starting aload of replacement threads. It'll be a confusing mess when the threads return.

Gothicform says the lost threads will be returned. There isn't much point in starting aload of replacement threads. It'll be a confusing mess when the threads return.

i agree, and did say so on the Official Leeds thread, however it seems we're rather keen to get things going again. How come we have gone down to 30 threads and 900 posts while everyone still has the posts and threads still logged, but not necessarily still in existance?

Well if that is the case, then a new thread will just save him time wont it

http://cam.a-q.co.uk/%7Eleeds/image.jpg

It seems the fencing around some of the electric press has been removed- anyone know what the lights are from- is it another bar? It shouldnt be too far off full completion now... When will the big screen be mounted?

It seems the fencing around some of the electric press has been removed- anyone know what the lights are from- is it another bar? It shouldnt be too far off full completion now... When will the big screen be mounted?
It looks like it might be lights from the Electric Press courtyard, which looks as if it will contain a few bars/restaurants. Still, there'll be a great atmosphere in Millennium Square during the World Cup next year when hopefully the big screen will be installed in the niche above the Ha Ha.

I think the big screen will be mounted by the end of the year.

Revolution
Red Chilli
Thai Edge

These are the only remaining tenants that I know of still to open. If you walk past during the day you can see through into the courtyard - looks very nicely done.

Like the sound of Thai Edge, never heard of them before, also can't wait for the video screen to be installed.

Revolution looks gorgeous. If it's anything like the ones in Manc, it'll be wix. Seems quite and unknown right now. Good time to check it out as a proper drinking place.

There is already a Revolution in Leeds, is the new one going to be bigger than the one behind Queens Court?

I don't know, but I would guess it would, because most new openings tend to try and go for a bigger site, but maybe it will be similar size but they want to be there for the location...

I've looked on their website and the new Revolution in the Electric Press opens on 5th August, and has three bars in it - should be a pretty sizeable place. :cheers:

I've looked on their website and the new Revolution in the Electric Press opens on 5th August, and has three bars in it - should be a pretty sizeable place. :cheers:

I've just been wandering round Millenium Square (and indeed most of the rest of the city centre :) ) and Revolution looks to be open, unless they're doing staff training.

I've just been wandering round Millenium Square (and indeed most of the rest of the city centre :) ) and Revolution looks to be open, unless they're doing staff training.

Yes I think it is open - and it is much bigger than the one in Call Lane.

I've just been wandering round Millenium Square (and indeed most of the rest of the city centre :) ) and Revolution looks to be open, unless they're doing staff training.
I reckon it'll be staff training. We saw this with the Ha Ha just before it opened, and if there are to be any glitches, they might as well have them before the bar opens.

Spoke to a girl working in a bar very near the present Revolution and she said she was moving to work in the new one on Millennium Square, and that its Opening Party would be this Friday. They must just be training now.

Revolution was open, so was the Ha Ha Bar and Canteen beneath the Carriageworks which is coming along nicely. couldn't really get much a view of teh courtyard, but once opened, am sure it'll be another excellent 'al fresco' location for beerage and foodage. :)

http://img328.imageshack.us/img328/8526/img01512li.jpg

From Leeds net
The Leader of the Leeds Labour Group, Councillor Keith Wakefield is demanding to know when the City’s big screen television will arrive on Millennium Square.

Cities in the UK including Manchester and Hull have big screens in prominent city centre locations that stream live news and other events in partnership with the BBC. These have proved very successful and a big attraction to people visiting the cities.

The screen on Millennium Square made an appearance last summer during the European Football Championships, and proved very popular with the large numbers of people who came to watch the football and enjoy the sunshine after they had finished work.

After taking power in 2004, the Liberal Democrat Leader made a great announcement that the screen was to become a permanent feature but the screen has yet to materialise and there is a huge blank space on the side of the Electric Press Building where the screen should be.

There was a funny storey behind the Hull video screen. You know that Hull civic leaders have a jealous grudge against Leeds and have once or twice made savage remarks about Leeds.

Hull councillors were being heavily criticised about spending a huge amount of their council tax payer's money on their big screen, to which their only response was something like 'well at least we've got a screen now, Leeds hasn't got one !' Leeds council response was a nice meek 'Actually, we've got one on order too, only .. we're not stinging our residents for the £1/2m or so costs as ours is being mainly paid for by sponsorships'. It was a superb own goal.

I am looking forward to the screen going up. I hope it is on all the time and not just for special events.

The courtyard to the Carriageworks Theatre is finally accessible nearly five years after it was roofed over as part of the Millennium Square development. You can see the courtyard seating for Revolution and Ha Ha; there's another bar being developed (the one with its windows covered) and there's another almost ready to open behind me as I took this shot. All this with Red Hot Chilli, Casa Mia, and the new sushi bar about to open, should create a lively atmosphere.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/6%20Sept%202005/P1010056.jpg

Meanwhile, across Millennium Square, the preparatory work has begun on the new city museum.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/6%20Sept%202005/P1010062.jpg

absolutely excellent to see the inside of the Portland/Stansfield chambers. I remember doing musicals at the Civic years ago when there was an Austicks bookshop and little newsagents still functioning. Still seems a bit of a joke that the roof was done 5 years ago for the millenium and we've now finally got the development just about completed! Cheers Aviator.

Great pics Aviator, looks dead cosy! :cheers:

Looking foreward to seeing what the new museum will be like. Any idea's what it will contain? I understood it would be mainly Leeds related artifacts/history.

The courtyard to the Carriageworks Theatre is finally accessible nearly five years after it was roofed over as part of the Millennium Square development. You can see the courtyard seating for Revolution and Ha Ha; there's another bar being developed (the one with its windows covered) and there's another almost ready to open behind me as I took this shot. All this with Red Hot Chilli, Casa Mia, and the new sushi bar about to open, should create a lively atmosphere.

Had a walk round here today. It's looking good. Quite a nice little open space and I had no idea it was going to be there until yesterday.

Looking foreward to seeing what the new museum will be like. Any idea's what it will contain? I understood it would be mainly Leeds related artifacts/history.

The Leeds Museum was domiciled under the central library and next to the Art Gallery for years, and I remember my mother (who is a teacher) saying that less than 1% of the museums artefacts were ever on display. On this basis, the new museum will finally allow the collection to be on display to the public together for the first time ever. Strange, the only recollection I have is of a stuffed tiger. Plenty more where that came from.

From an architectural point of view the main space in the Civic theatre was originally an oval shaped lecture theatre and the stage was build across one side of it. I presume the stage will be removed and the room restored to its former glory with the remainder of the Leeds Institute (which is vast and which I explored at great length when involved with music and drama there in my teens) will become ante rooms for the museum. Will be a sight to behold - a full restoration for the first time since it was built in the late 19th century.

In addition to converting th eLeeds Institute building to a museum there was supposed to be a resource centre to house all the artefacts that cannot be displayed. Land was earmarked for it (I think planning permission was obtained or applied for) on Clarence Road not far from the Armouries. I wonder what has happened to this scheme - nothing heard of it for some time.

Another use for the square

Earth from the Air

Millennium Square is set to become a 24-hour art gallery this autumn. The stunning Earth from the Air exhibition will be in Leeds from Thursday 15 September - Wednesday 16 November 2005.

Yann Arthus-Bertrand was born in March 1946. At the age of 30 he moved to Kenya with his wife Anne to study lions in the Maasai Mara Reserve and began to photograph the beauty of the natural world, flying over the landscape in a balloon.

Earth from the Air was a massive project for Yann. He spent ten years carefully researching the landcapes he has selected, flying over 76 countries and clocking up 3,000 flying hours by helicopter.

With over 100,000 shots in the collection, Yann has chosen the 160 exhibits to communicate his own vision.

The free outdoor exhibition is a spectacular presentation of over 120 large-scale aerial photographs of breathtaking views of our planet taken by world-famous photographer Yann Arthus-Bertrand.

Arthus-Bertrand's mission was to create a photographic record of the natural world at the start of a new millennium. Taken from all over the planet, the 160 photographs chosen for the exhibition tell a story about our changing planet and the need for sustainable development.

Taken from the air, the pictures show a bird's-eye view of the extraordinary patterns and colours created in landscapes all over the world. Some are the result of human activity - farming, industry or habitation. Others are entirely sculpted by nature itself.

Seen together they are an outstanding visual testimony to the world we live in today and show how human activity, population growth and technological progress have made dramatic changes to the world's landscapes.


The exhibition is floodlit at night
Earth from the Air has already been a huge hit wherever it has been displayed in Britain (including dates in Birmingham, London and Bristol), as well as other cities around the world.

The exhibition information centre and film viewing area will be in Millennium Square providing visitors with fascinating earth facts and useful ideas about how they can make a difference and help preserve the planet for future generations.

Earth from the Air, Millennium Square, Thursday 15 September - Wednesday 16 November 2005 (a display will also be at the Light shopping centre for two weeks from Saturday 15 September). The exhibition information centre (including gift shop and fair-trade cafe) is open daily 10am to 6pm

i saw that exhibition at the natural history museum a while ago, it's fantastic. website: http://www.earthfromtheair.com/

Had a look at the earth form the air exhibition, what a great use of Millenium Square. It was nice and sunny and there were lots of people milling around including families. It was also great to see all the outdoor seating and people enjoying al fresco dining on a Sunday in October. Who said global warming isn't happening!

Also work seems to be well underway on the new City museum.

Had a look at the earth form the air exhibition, what a great use of Millenium Square. It was nice and sunny and there were lots of people milling around including families. It was also great to see all the outdoor seating and people enjoying al fresco dining on a Sunday in October. Who said global warming isn't happening!

Also work seems to be well underway on the new City museum.

Yes splendid exhibition. I was there a few days earlier when the sunshine was even warmer and people were sitting out at the surrounding bars having a drink.
Millenium Square is coming into its own now - though I still decry the lack of greenery.

Yes ive been to (on the first saturday) ad it was quite good although a little bit windy. I love the atmosphere of the christkindlmarkt and the ice cube though.

Yes splendid exhibition. I was there a few days earlier when the sunshine was even warmer and people were sitting out at the surrounding bars having a drink.
Millenium Square is coming into its own now - though I still decry the lack of greenery.

Am planning to see the exhibition at the weekend. Hoping to fit in a beer in one of the new bars, although expect it might be slightly too cold for al fresco drinking. Will get a few snaps though.

I cycle through it every morning now - a nice start to the day!

Well chaps, for my 1000th post i thought I better rustle up something nice - so here's a shot (sadly lacking in much real atmosphere) of Millenium Square on a October Sunday morning with a few early risers perusing the Earth from the Air exhibition. Exactly the sort of activity the square was built for! Marvellous.

http://img173.imageshack.us/img173/5925/img02920oo.jpg

Nice- I went to see that exhibition on the first saturday. I'll polly be going again in 1/2 term so Ill see it then. Apparently the civic theatre will be completed soon, and I think the big screen will be mounted soon...

You can also see the scaffolding starting to go up on the Leeds Institute - I suspect it'll be disappearing behind a shroud of sheeting and metal for a year or so.

My old group Leeds Youth Opera are performing Massenet's Cinderella in mid February at the Carriageworks, so suspect the fit out will be completed before Xmas at the very least. Interior/Exterior (the contractors) were working on the fit out last Sunday, so they must be pushing to get it finished.

Great news! There's a cash point in Millenium Square, it's a miricle, such a trek to the nearest one whenever at a gig in carpe diem

aren't there cashpoints in the light?

There's one and that often breaks down. Town's a bit shite for cash machines really. That part anyways.

The Carriageworks opens its doors
Leeds' new theatre, The Carriageworks, will officially open its doors on Friday 11 November 2005.



Facts
The Electric Press (Grade II listed) was built in 1894 and was used as a printing works. Stansfield Chambers (Grade II listed) were built in 1848 and originally housed the West Riding Carriage Manufactory. Portland Chambers were built towards the end of the nineteenth century.

The new development will feature a mix of commercial and arts facilities. At ground floor level a range of cafés and bars will be grouped in the historic courtyard with the Carriageworks Theatre overlooking the courtyard from the first floor.

The Leeds Civic Theatre, which was housed within the Leeds Institute building, has now closed. Major work will commence to convert the building into the new city museum for Leeds opening in 2008.

Set on the first floor level of the Electric Press development on Millennium Square, the theatre will provide a range of entertainment from regional professional and amateur dramatics to film, dance, and community arts.

With two performance spaces seating 350 and 80 people, The Carriageworks will serve as a platform for local talent and will be the new home of Leeds Civic Arts Guild, a group of local performing societies who will provide a continuous programme of plays, musicals, comedy, opera and youth performances.

Alongside the Civic Arts Guild performances will be a range of events, productions and workshops, including performances by recent Leeds theatre graduates and regional performing companies. The Carriageworks will also provide an additional venue for the Leeds International Film Festival and Leeds International Concert Season.

The new Carriageworks building places modern architecture alongside the original historic structure of the Electric Press Building and Portland Chambers. It takes its name from the original function of Portland Chambers, a carriage makers.

Councillor John Procter says: "A tremendous amount of planning and work has gone into providing the people of Leeds with a fantastic new state-of-the-art theatre. The Carriageworks will fill a much needed niche in Leeds theatre provision by providing a space for local performing groups, youth and school theatre, as well as providing workshop space for theatre groups and conference facilities for businesses

You can also see the scaffolding starting to go up on the Leeds Institute - I suspect it'll be disappearing behind a shroud of sheeting and metal for a year or so.

My old group Leeds Youth Opera are performing Massenet's Cinderella in mid February at the Carriageworks, so suspect the fit out will be completed before Xmas at the very least. Interior/Exterior (the contractors) were working on the fit out last Sunday, so they must be pushing to get it finished.


:eek2: I'm an old LYO'er too!!!

When were you with the group? '90-'96 for me.

http://img173.imageshack.us/img173/5925/img02920oo.jpg

1999
http://www.leodis.net/imagesLeodis/screen/76/10076.jpg

http://www.leodis.net/imagesLeodis/screen/57/2003109_17223757.jpg

I must admit, I quite liked the old Mandela Gardens. The rest of that area was horrendus though.

Anybody got a photo of the mural that was on the back of the Electric press?

:eek2: I'm an old LYO'er too!!!

When were you with the group? '90-'96 for me.

woah, 1992 (Pearl Fishers by Bizet) till 1996 (Into the Woods by Sondheim) and then 2001 (A Little Night Music by Sondheim) till 2002 (Candide by Bernstein).

This could be another tres spooky moment. there have been a few recently, but suspect this could top it!

Big Screen going up! Was in Millennium Square earlier, putting framework n stuff up- I reckon it is possible for it to be up by the end of the week.

......Great, we'll be able to watch everyone elses New Years Eve selebrations! :wallbash:

They were putting up the actual screen on Friday afternoon.

The aerial photo exhibition on at the moment is fantastic.

I've been twice now! I went on Thursday for the second time, and also saw they were putting up the frame for the big screen... and it was nice and sunny too which was good.

Not to mention Radio1 using the Headrow/Art Gallery space for their breakfast show this morning.
Seems to be the 'alternative' space to Millenium Square for 'events' in Leeds centre.

Yes, Chris Moyles is Live from Leeds all this week. In the past, Victoria Gardens, Dortmund Square and Briggate have all been used as events spaces...

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/djsgohome/moyles/2.jpg
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/djsgohome/moyles/5.jpg


Chris Moyles is Live from Leeds all this week
sadly not, just today.
Monday - Moyles in Leeds
Tuesday - Jo Whiley in Northampton
Wednesday - Colin in Belfast
Thursday - Edith in Fife
Friday - Scott in Southampton

-Millennium Square big screen switched on today
www.bbc.co.uk/leeds/in_pictures/webcams for Millennium Square and BWP.

The screen's nice, they've done a good job. They need to sort the sound out though. They're using a PA instead of stereo speakers like on Manc's screen, so the audio's coming from those monitors up on the tall lampposts. But it's bloody quiet, almost inaudible. Should make a fine venue though, especially for next year's World Cup.

I think the speakers on the 'tall lamposts' are better than a stereo like in Exchange Square, however maybe it does need turning up yes, but I do think they will do this for various events but I don't think they would want it blaring out all the time, particularly in consideration for those people who just go there to relax, and to Mandela Gardens, particularly if it's just some random news or somin... What was on the big screen earlier anyway? Is it just showing some news channel like City Station Big Screen or what???

When I walked past that God awful Paul O'Grady show was on. There was one man stood in a cowboy hat, smoking a fag, leaning back against the rails and watching the screen. Like a gay Marlboro Man.

o...err ok. I prefer richard and judy lol

So instead of being able to read a book in M Square, we now have to endure crappy television 24/7

Get some decent films on, or BBC4. Ram high culture down peoples throats!

When I walked past that God awful Paul O'Grady show was on. There was one man stood in a cowboy hat, smoking a fag, leaning back against the rails and watching the screen. Like a gay Marlboro Man.

LMAO! :hahaha: :hahaha:

whats goin on in millenium sq, there is some sort of flurescent green type oon the side of the new theatre, is it the opening of the the theatre or a count down to the screen been turned on?

I thought that, didn't know if it was just some random lights or what though... and the screen has already been turned on. The Carriageworks officially opens next Friday though...

The laser lights say something like 'the next stage in Leeds, The Carrige Works opens 15th November'

ah right. thanx for clearing that one up!!

From the BBC website - big opening night on the 11th November. Looking good, I really like the design and portland stone cladding. Also fantastic support for the Leeds amateur organisations who feared they would be homeless when the first plans were announced for shutting the Leeds Institute. The full development is only 5 years late - the hoardings were still saying opening October 2000, and they were still in place last year. Better late than never I say.

The Carriageworks opens its doors
Leeds' new theatre, The Carriageworks, will officially open its doors on Friday 11 November 2005.

Set on the first floor level of the Electric Press development on Millennium Square, the theatre will provide a range of entertainment from regional professional and amateur dramatics to film, dance, and community arts.

With two performance spaces seating 350 and 80 people, The Carriageworks will serve as a platform for local talent and will be the new home of Leeds Civic Arts Guild, a group of local performing societies who will provide a continuous programme of plays, musicals, comedy, opera and youth performances.

The Carriageworks' retractable seating
The design of the theatre is state-of-the-art, including a revolutionary seating system in which a large section of the main seating area can be pulled back to alter the performing space.

The new venue will also house cafés and bars on each level, conference rooms for rent and rehearsal space with the best technical facilities to aid theatre groups from the professionals to school groups.

View from the Carriageworks
Alongside the Civic Arts Guild performances will be a range of events, productions and workshops, including performances by recent Leeds theatre graduates and regional performing companies. The Carriageworks will also provide an additional venue for the Leeds International Film Festival and Leeds International Concert Season.

Andrew MacGill is Head of Arts & Events for Leeds City Council and he believes The Carriageworks will play a vital role in Leeds' cultural life:
"I think we now have the final piece in the jigsaw. The Carriageworks will complement Leeds' other theatres promoting a range of events and it will also become a vital resource for arts and community groups in the city."

Facts
The Electric Press (Grade II listed) was built in 1894 and was used as a printing works. Stansfield Chambers (Grade II listed) were built in 1848 and originally housed the West Riding Carriage Manufactory. Portland Chambers were built towards the end of the nineteenth century.

The new development will feature a mix of commercial and arts facilities. At ground floor level a range of cafés and bars will be grouped in the historic courtyard with the Carriageworks Theatre overlooking the courtyard from the first floor.

The Leeds Civic Theatre, which was housed within the Leeds Institute building, has now closed. Major work will commence to convert the building into the new city museum for Leeds opening in 2008.

Leeds Art Theatre are presenting "Educating Rita" by Willy Russell in the studio
theatre, (Upstairs@thecarriageworks) 17-19 November 2005

Only am dram but could be worth a look.
No Michael Caine or Julie Walters, unfortunately.

http://www.leeds.gov.uk/files/pressReleases/2005/month11/inter_F9531C77EFF5DE26802570AE006079F3_PR_1.pdf

The Building Design article on Leeds made a good point, if you look at the grants and investments provided by the Lottery fund for the Carriageworks, Leeds Institute and Grand Theatre, Leeds has done very well. Okay, no new concert hall, but as the BD article says, they're making excellent use of existing facilities and space.

Curtain going up on city theatre

A new theatre which will offer a dynamic base for amateur performing arts groups across Leeds will open to the public this week.

On Friday, the Carriageworks theatre will stage its first production. As well as providing a base for the groups which used the now closed Leeds Civic Theatre, it will also give other theatre groups a chance to perform in a major venue, host exhibitions, conferences and other events.

The £3.4m theatre will have two auditoriums. The main venue can hold up to 350, and has flexible seating allowing an orchestra pit to be created, theatre-in-the round to be performed and other options.

Jan Morrell, chair of Leeds Civic Arts Guild said: "We are very excited and very relieved that it has now come to fruition. It's a wonderful facility."

The Carriageworks Theatre is housed in the former Electric Press building, in Millennium Square, a stone's throw from the old Leeds Institute Building. Work has already begun transforming the Leeds Institute into a multi-million-pound museum.

The Carriageworks has been paid for by the council and a grant from the European Regional Development Fund.

Ralph Porter, venues manager with the council said: "It's giving amateur and community arts the sort of base that they deserve in Leeds and having a city centre venue for this sort of thing is absolutely brilliant. I would think that very few cities have got this sort of prestige facility."

He said it would give all manner of amateur groups a chance to perform in a city centre theatre, rather than a church hall. "It will raise the status about what they do," Mr Porter added.

So far the main auditorium and the 80-seater studio theatre called Upstairs@The Carriageworks, are almost fully-booked until next July.

It will showcase young, emerging talent as well as offering a space for more-established groups.

The building also offers conference facilities, with views overlooking Millennium Square, and rehearsal space.

The Carriageworks will officially open on Friday November 11, with a VIP evening, where RJC Dance will be among the performers.

It will officially open to the public on Tuesday November 15, when attractions will include Living Pretty, a story written and directed by Ray Brown, which was featured in the 2005 British Council Edinburgh Fringe Showcase. It tells the story of a man born into rural poverty in Jamaica whose later days were spent in a Yorkshire allotment.

Leeds Children's Theatre will present The Ideal Gnome Expedition from November 15-19 and Leeds Art Theatre will perform Educating Rita from November 17 -November 19. Call the Box office on 0113 224 3801.

From the YEP, 8th November 2005

Big screen is set to make a comeback

It has beamed out pictures of epic sporting encounters and memorable scenes from this summer's Live 8 concert. Yet after relaying important moments to the people of Leeds, the big screen in Millennium Square broke down and was taken away.

But now it's back to stay.

A Philips-created state-of-the-art screen has been built on the front of the new Carriageworks Theatre development and is set to go "live" at the end of the month. It will show major national and international events, as well as sporting occasions like the World Cup and Wimbledon.

"We are really excited about seeing the screen working for the first time," said Coun John Procter, Leeds City Council executive member for leisure. The audience for such a screen in Leeds city centre was there for all to see at Euro 2004 last year and at Live8 this year which drew huge crowds and a wonderful atmosphere to Millennium Square. As well as the big events, it will also provide important news and information as well as major council attractions, so hopefully there will be something for everyone to enjoy."

Leeds City Council was criticised for not having a big screen in place this summer to show the gripping Ashes cricket encounter between England and Australia that thrilled the nation. But now sports fans won't be stumped in the future.

The project has been part-funded by the screen designers, Asda St James and Yorkshire Forward, the Leeds-based regional development agency. It will be managed by the BBC and the local authority for the next three years.

It will show content from eight free-to-air digital channels and include national and local news bulletins. The screen will be on 24 hours a day, with the sound muted at night.

Yorkshire Forward's head of West Yorkshire, Andrew Wallhead, said: "We are pleased to welcome the arrival of the big screen to Millennium Square. This new technology will be of benefit to the people of Leeds and make a great public space even better. Yorkshire Forward's investment in the screen is part of an ongoing commitment to the development of the city's cultural facilities."

Looks like theres 2 big screens coming to Leeds City Centre... I quite like the idea of big screens although I'm not sure about here... Dortmund Square would be good for one, City Square, Lower Briggate, CornX, Lower Albion Street (on the link bridge thing)... but it depends where its going, might look really good! I have mixed views on this... It is stated big screens are ugly in this article, and I don't really agree on that...

Big-screen plan gets the go-ahead
By DAVID MARSH
CONTROVERSIAL plans to set up a giant screen which will beam adverts into the heart of a city centre conservation area have been given the go-ahead.
The proposal to attach the 10ft by 7ft screen to one of the large metal Landmark Leeds structures near the junction of Commercial Street and Lands Lane split the council's city centre plans panel.
Members voted 3-2 to give Light Media Displays Ltd permission to operate the screen for up to three years.
A report to the panel said the site was within a conservation area where there was a requirement to preserve or enhance its character.
It added that the screen would add visual interest into an area dominated by shops and other commercial premises.
The council's own city centre management unit argued that the screen would have a negative impact and it feared the moving images would disturb people wishing to "sit and rest."
With a screen already in place in Millennium Square and the council proposing to put adverts on lamposts, Coun Graham Latty (Con, Guiseley and Rawdon) said: "We will be surrounded by adverts before we know where we are."
Worse
Coun Elizabeth Minkin (Lab, Kirkstall) said she did not like the Landmark Leeds structure and was concerned that adding a big screen would make it worse.
She said: "I don't see what benefits the people of Leeds are getting.
"This is a traffic-free, open place where people can sit and I don't think they want to look on something which is ugly."
But Coun Jim McKenna (Lab, Armley) said he "was not fussed" by the proposal and was surprised it was taking so much flak, while Coun Amanda Carter (Con, Calverley and Farsley), who chairs the panel, believed the screen might improve a structure she regarded as ugly.
In approving the scheme, the panel agreed the screen should show pictures only – no sound – and that it should be used to broadcast public information as well as adverts.
14 November 2005

Earth from the Air will leave Leeds in 2 days, so its your last chance to see it!
Next Event: German Christmas Markets

where do you get your information leeds no1, you are on the pulse!

where exactly is this? im not to good with rd names< which building or landmark is it?

It's probably the structure by the benches outside WH Smith. (the advanced mono-rail to some!)

so it cud become our very own time sq

http://www.leodis.org/imagesLeodis/screen/36/2003109_20789736.jpg

Presumably, it's the tall grey structure in the background of the shot above.
Wouldn't it improve the character of the area if the ruddy thing was dismantled?

So is it only going to present advertisements? If that's the case I think it is a total waste of time. And money.

I've got to admit I don't see how many people could go here for a 'quiet time' during office hours - it's one of the busiest routes in Leeds for shoppers and commuters.
It will also mean that the street preachers who use the space would have some glitzy competition if they are to be audio presentations.

As for Leeds' own TimeSq!? ROFLMAO

what does ROFLMAO mean?

and before you start that was a joke, think my humour is wasted on u lot

Roll on floor laughing my ass off....It certainly made me laugh!

I don't see why Leeds couldn't have a times square! Not here though, somewhere along The Headrow probably at Eastgate Roundabout...
Any where do I get my news from?
-Leeds City Council
-Leeds Today
-YPN
-wymetro
-BBC Leeds
Primarily, probably some other sites Ive forgotten...

Never stop complaining...

Now Carriageworks costs are centre stage
By DAVID MARSH
THE curtain has only just gone up on Leeds's newest theatre but it is the soaring costs of the project which are under the spotlight.
The Carriageworks in Millennium Square - new home to the city's flourishing amateur, community and youth performing arts groups - was expected to cost £5.72m but the final cost is likely to be at least £7.59m.
Fit-out costs for the theatre rose by over 40 per cent from an original estimate of £2.72m to just over £3.85m.
Senior councillors, concerned at the rising costs, ordered council auditors to carry out a review of the fit-out overspend.
Their report, just published, has found that while contract procedure rules were followed and council officers acted appropriately, the scheme could have been better handled.
Complex
Council officials are now preparing an action plan to improve the delivery of major building projects.
The Carriageworks plan was quickly drawn up to replace the former Civic Theatre which the council decided to convert into a new City Museum in a £20m lottery project.
Councillors agreed an alternative venue be provided for the many amateur dramatics groups who used the Civic Theatre before the museum proposal went ahead.
A report to the council's Executive board, which this afternoon was discussing the review, said: "The overriding conclusion is that this is an incredibly complex project that has been hindered by the extremely tight timescales at project initiation stage.
"Tight timescales inevitably result in outline specifications not being as advanced as they should be, which in turn makes cost estimation more difficult."
The review added: "In general, procedures have been followed in respect of the theatre project.
"However, given that there was no detailed and costed option appraisal, no business case and no detailed specification, it is audit opinion that there has been insufficient challenge at the key stages in the decision-making progress."
The fit-out costs rose because of delays in completing the shell of the building, said the report.
It said a contract clause had allowed the council to claim £68,250 from the developer because of the shell delays but this was not enough to cover the extra fit-out costs.
The review makes a number of recommendations, including a call for feasibility studies to be carried out before any commitments are given to undertake large capital schemes

Big screen action
A giant TV screen for Millennium Square will begin broadcasting during the Children in Need appeal on Friday 18 November 2005.



The evening's events start at 6pm, hosted by Graham Liver of BBC Radio Leeds.

BBC Look North will be broadcasting live from the square where you can join the programme's stars, Christa Ackroyd and Paul Hudson from 6.30pm.


Christa Ackroyd will be in the square.
The actual opening ceremony for the big screen will be performed high overhead the square by Viva Aerial Dance. The daring dancers are famous for appearing on-screen during BBC ONE trailers.

Christa Ackroyd will be in the square for the local Children in Need TV broadcasts throughout the evening. Local bands will play in the square and there will be a performance by Urban Strawberry Lunch, this innovative group use instruments created from unusual and everyday materials to play in musical styles covering jazz, punk, funk, rock and more.

The screen is attached to the front of the new Carriageworks Theatre as part of the BBC’s Public Space Broadcasting Project which has seen similar large screens put in place in Liverpool, Birmingham, Manchester and Hull.


How the Leeds screen will look.
The Leeds screen will show content from the BBC's eight free-to-air digital channels as well as national and local news, sport and information services.

Major events such as the 2006 football World Cup will be shown and the screen will run 24-hours-a-day with the sound muted overnight.

The permanent screen follows the success of a temporary screen attracting thousands of people in the square to watch events such as Euro 2004, the Live8 concert and tennis from Wimbledon.

Leeds City Council Executive Member for Leisure, Councillor John Procter says: “We are absolutely delighted that the screen is now being put in place and we are really excited about seeing it working for the first time.

Webcam: Millennium Square
Take a look >
"The audience for such a screen in Leeds city centre was there for all to see at Euro 2004 last year and Live8 this year which drew huge crowds and a wonderful atmosphere to Millennium Square."

In partnership with regional development agency Yorkshire Forward the screen will be managed by the BBC working alongside Leeds City Council for the next three years.

Christa Ackroyd will be in the square.


:runaway:

Today was the first time I'd seen the new screen in Millennium Square. It's a big old fuck-off monster and no mistake. You can just make out at the right edge of the picture one of the vans being used to pack up the Earth from the Air exhibition. I'm sorry to see it go; even in the dreariest weather there were always plenty of people looking at it. Just the kind of thing the square was built for.


http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/17%20Nov%202005/P1010011.jpg

I am sorry to see Earth from the Air go too but on the other hand I'm not sorry the Christmas Markets are replacing them! I would like to see Christmas Markets on Briggate though, just to add continental style to the core as well. Maybe one day... Remember:
Children in Need and launch of Big Screen with Look North tommorrow.
Christmas Markets and Fairground start Thu. 24th Nov. (to 21st Dec.)

I am sorry to see Earth from the Air go too but on the other hand I'm not sorry the Christmas Markets are replacing them! I would like to see Christmas Markets on Briggate though, just to add continental style to the core as well. Maybe one day... Remember:
Children in Need and launch of Big Screen with Look North tommorrow.
Christmas Markets and Fairground start Thu. 24th Nov. (to 21st Dec.)

Didn't one of the continental markets split between Briggate and Millennium Square last summer?

summer?
Well the Christmas Market last winter was primarily in Millennium Square and there were 4 or 5 stalls on Briggate, mainly to make people aware of what was at Millennium Square.

The exhibition was the bees knees, but now we have the christmas market and the Ice rink to look forward to.

personally I didn't rate the Christmas market stalls!
Apart from some delightful sweet stuff that was for sale I thought it was a lot of continental tat.
I'll happily proved wrong this year.

re the Ice Rink, when will that be up and running? I'm looking forward to have a crack, and getting some practice in for the RealThing in CentralPark!

I'm always asking the obvious I know, but I'm just trying to catch up - this big screen is going to be an on going thing.....? And it's to commence broadcasting today? Plus, you take some cracking pictures Aviator..... :okay:

Ice Cube won't be til early next year, it always is.
The Big Screen starts broadcasting today as part of Millennium Square's children in need event. Tune into Look North @ 1830 live from the square and throughout the night (regional broadcasts from the square) for the big screen launch and other events. The big screen is permanent yes. The deal is for 3 years, and probably longer as its almost guaranteed to be succesful.

The first-ever permanent big screen in Leeds city centre will be officially switched-on tonight. The state-of-the-art screen in Millennium Square is managed by the BBC and will begin broadcasting during BBC Look North at 6:30pm tonight, presented live from the square.

i think it will attract more crowds to the square. A brilliant idea to get information to people as quick as possible. There is one in Birmingham City Centre and during the summer it attracts loads of people, esp lunch time in the summer when everyone from the offices come out.

Well yes it will, especially for larger events, like the world cup etc but I think big screens are one of those things which add atmosphere to a place, makes it a bit more exciting. I like to see street performers and stuff too.

Just after thinking about Leeds @ night, I think Millennium Square should be floodlit all the time, especially on a Saturday Night. It would make it feel safer (as lighting does) and I am aware that tonight is probably a bit different because its full of lorries putting up the Christmas Markets, but I do think if they're gonna have lights they might as well use them...

http://www.leodis.org/imagesLeodis/screen/36/2003109_20789736.jpg

Presumably, it's the tall grey structure in the background of the shot above.
Wouldn't it improve the character of the area if the ruddy thing was dismantled?


lmao at all the scallies in that photo

lmao at all the scallies in that photo

As far as I know, that picture is about 6 or 7 years old. Most of the colour photos on the website that is taken from, are from either c1992 or c1999. I doubt very much that most of the people in that photo are scallies.

This an up to date photo of the same spot. Taken by LSyd in the rain.
Some of the shop fronts have changed.
http://www.pbase.com/lsyd/image/52463286.jpg

http://www.leodis.org/imagesLeodis/screen/36/2003109_20789736.jpg
lmao at all the scallies in that photo

Yes Bob the 2 old dears in the middle of the photo look particularly scallylike. No doubt they have Burberry check shopping trolleys.
:bash:

Frankly I think we'd get more intelligent posts from the dumper truck or the concrete mixer.

Just after thinking about Leeds @ night, I think Millennium Square should be floodlit all the time, especially on a Saturday Night. It would make it feel safer (as lighting does) and I am aware that tonight is probably a bit different because its full of lorries putting up the Christmas Markets, but I do think if they're gonna have lights they might as well use them...

I would have to agree with you there. Effective lighting would help create a better atmosphere on an evening, and open it up as a more inviting place to visitors to the city.

There appears to be some kind of fairground joining in with the Chrimbo markets this year. There's a big wheel up and a carousel.

like last year

Christ, it was there last year?

University isn't good for you.

Yep, and the year before... and I cant remember going any other years. What happened to the french Easter markets this year?

Millenium Sq webcam (http://www.bbc.co.uk/leeds/content/webcams/millenium_square_webcam.shtml)

Not seen this logo before. I quite like it

http://www.leeds.gov.uk/images/2004/week1/B61FF05F8724EF0480256E37004ABC3A.gif

Millenium Sq 360 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/leeds/360/millennium_square.shtml)
Christmas Market 360 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/leeds/360/christkindlmarkt.shtml)

It was the logo originally used on the Millennium Square website...

Well, I was in Leeds into the mid-evening last night... Can't say the christmas market was 'thrilling'. I think it's smaller than last year... Big Screen is good though, eager to see what it will make the square feel like between events.

Have they finished Briggate yet? I didn't go down the bottom end so I couldn't tell really...

Hi LN1, I went round the German market last Christmas and it was really good, quite interesting, shame if it's not so good this year (although heard about the big wheel upsetting the locals as passengers look through their 6th floor windows, sounds quite funny really).

Haven't seen the big screen yet, but will go and have a look as soon as I can, however, went to The Light one evening last week, and the lighting around that area now is brilliant, and has a great atmosphere. The Light itself is brilliantly lit up and lots of bright signs and things added onto it, and so is The Cube at the base of K2, and the new multi-million pound Oceana club at the corner of Albion St opposite K2, and of course the Christmas lights and other lights and screens in the area. That stretch is starting to turn into a Leed's own little 'Piccadilly Circus' or Times Square'. Has to be seen after dark to be enjoyed, superb atmosphere.

Briggate is quite a way from finishing yet, but they are making good progress, although they are stopping for the Christmas period and continuing in January/February.

I thought that too. The Christmas Market this year is good, but its expensive and smaller than last year. Hoping it would be larger.
Yeah I heard about the people looking in on the big wheel... Can't say I didn't lol... The area is quite lively now to, and it extends down Park Row too. The bars which are there and the bars which will open are quite expensive too, which is kinda good as it doesn't attract binge drinkers- makes the public support the idea of new bars more. Infact, most the area around The Light and Millennium Square is lively. Would like to see more here in the future! Has the potential to become quite an exciting area, and certainly is well on its way. Christmas Lights help too...

Upcoming events at Millenium Square that you really should get to:

Friday May 18th - Editors & ¡Forward, Russia! (Leeds band) & Biffy Clyro

Sunday May 21st - Hard-Fi + Graham Coxon + Boy Kill Boy

I would guess tickets have sold out =/ In terms of music across the city there is quite alot happenning, on top of the already well established Leeds Fest (which did you know is 20x louder than Reading due to sound restrictions at Reading)

Did anyone spot this going to last week's meeting of the City Centre Plans Panel?


PLANS PANEL (CITY CENTRE) 16 AUGUST 2007

WARD: City & Hunslet Application: 07/00796/FU
Address: “D” Car Park, Portland Crescent, Leeds
Applicant: Portland Crescent Leeds Ltd.
Proposal: Erection of a 178 bed hotel with ground floor class A3/A4 (bar and restaurant) uses

Introduction:
The application relates to the Council’s own land which is the subject of a development brief and has been marketed as a potential development site in recent years. Most recently discussions have been held with the applicant which have resulted in the current planning application.

Following submission of the planning application in February 2007 there has been extensive discussion with Council Officers, in particular relating to the form and design of the proposals. The original design was considered to be inappropriate in the context of the quality and setting of the surrounding listed buildings. Efforts have been made to negotiate a redesign which results in a more elegant building with a simpler palette of finishing materials to reflect the quality of the surrounding architecture. Considerable progress has been made but some aspects of the design still need to be improved and considered further (see appraisal section for full details).

The applicant and his team has been very willing to enter a dialogue to address these concerns, however in view of the time being taken by this process and the resolution of all other outstanding matters, it was considered important to seek Members comments on the proposals before finalising the design.

Proposal:
It is proposed to erect a 178 bedroom hotel with ancillary office, bar and restaurant uses at ground and first floor level and up to two independent bar/restaurant units to the ground floor Portland Crescent frontage. The building would be sited adjacent to the street frontages and comprises a 6 storey element next to the Creation nightclub and an 11 storey element to the Woodhouse Lane frontage. These heights include rooftop plant areas.

The building would use a limited palette of external finishing materials, predominantly glazed elevations to the lower two floors and predominantly a composite cladding material with a red sandstone appearance to the upper floors. An enclosed service yard accessed off Portland Crescent would be sited to the rear of the Walkabout bar. It would provide an emergency escape route, cycle storage for 20 bikes and external stores. It is too narrow to accommodate vehicles and all service vehicles would use an on-street loading bay to be created on Portland Crescent.

No car parking is proposed with the development. It is also proposed to infill the disused subway on Woodhouse Lane and provide an enhanced landscaped setting to this frontage.

Site and Surroundings:
The planning application site comprises a 0.14 ha parcel of land known as Car Park D, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds. It is currently used by the Council as a surface staff car park accommodating 40 cars. The site is broadly rectangular and the general topography slopes down from the north east to the south west.

There are 18 cherry trees located primarily at the periphery of the site and in close proximity of the footpath. The application site is bordered to the North West (across Portland Crescent) by Leeds Metropolitan University’s construction site for the “Rosebowl” building. To the south west is the gable end of the Creation nightclub (Grade II listed) and beyond this (on the opposite side of Portland Crescent) is the rear of the Civic Hall , which is a Grade II* listed building.

The south east of the application site is bordered by the rear elevation of the Walkabout bar. At its north east boundary, the site fronts Woodhouse Lane in close proximity to the major junction linking this road with Claypit Lane. On the far side of Woodhouse Lane are the Metropolitan University owned properties of Queen Square (a Georgian Square containing a number of grade II listed buildings which is also designated as a Conservation Area).

The area immediately to the south of the site falls within the boundaries of the City Centre Conservation Area.

APPRAISAL
1.0 Principle of Uses
The proposed mix of uses complies with the UDP and planning brief requirements to provide a diversity of uses which contribute to the character of the Civic Quarter. The hotel building and ground floor bar/restaurant uses not only supports the leisure and business economy of the city but would help to create a vibrant street frontage.

2.0 Impact on amenities
The proposed building would be sited only 3 to 5 metres away from the rear elevation of the Walkabout bar. The walkabout bar contains a number of windows, mostly at first floor level, in this elevation. Most are to plant or storage areas but two provide light to an ancillary flat for the bar manager. Although there will be an adverse impact on light to this flat the accommodation is very much used as a place to rest and sleep for staff while they are off-duty. It is not large enough to accommodate family and does not have an independent self-contained entrance. Also the proposed building would have no windows facing the Walkabout at the lower two floors thus avoiding any potential loss of privacy. It is considered that the siting of the new building would not unduly prejudice the use of the flat as ancillary staff accommodation to the walkabout bar and therefore is considered acceptable.

With regard to the committed development on the opposite side of Portland Crescent the gaps between facing windows would be about 20 metres which are considered acceptable in this urban setting.

3.0 Traffic and Access
The site would have no car parking. The site has good access to public transport facilities and the applicant will be making a contribution towards enhancement of these facilities in-line with the Councils policies and guidance, agreeing a travel plan and providing 20 long stay cycle parking spaces. The adjoining road network has strong traffic control measures to prevent obstruction and inappropriate parking.

It is anticipated that the main traffic related demand would be for servicing vehicles and taxis. A loading bay will be created on the street adjacent to the service yard entrance and a servicing strategy will consider controlling the times and size of delivery vehicles, if necessary, to ensure there is no conflict on the road. A drop-off area has not been requested for taxis because of the lack of physical opportunity and because the Portland Crescent/Cookridge street one-way loop does in effect act as a drop off area for the existing uses. It has very little traffic movement and this would not rise significantly even with the committed development on “C” car park. It is considered that taxis for the hotel would continue to use these frontages in the same way without causing problems on the road.

4.0 Appearance and Scale of the buildings/Impact on the Conservation Areas and setting of adjoining listed buildings
The planning brief indicates appropriate heights of 4 storeys only on this site. However this requirement needs to be considered in the context of the stated requirement for building heights which relate to the heights of surrounding buildings and provide visual interest, and also in the context of the approved phase 2 buildings on C car park which have a maximum height of 12 storeys to Woodhouse Lane.

Although taller than the indicative heights in the brief (6 storeys rising to 11 storeys) it is considered that the proposals achieve the visual interest sought by the brief whilst respecting the scale and setting of the nearby buildings. The 6 storey element is approximately the same height as the Civic Hall, the Creation nightclub to the south of the site and the approved Rose bowl building on C car park, whilst the 11 storey element responds to the taller buildings along Woodhouse Lane but would be lower than the height of the flanking buildings at Leeds College of Technology and the approval for phase 2 of Leeds Metropolitan University’s proposals for C car park.

The footprint of the building has also been designed to reflect the frontage line agreed to Woodhouse Lane for C car park, which supports pedestrian movement along Woodhouse Lane, whilst providing a strong sense of enclosure to the street which is characteristic of the area.

It is proposed to provide a calm modern appearance to the building which would reflect the quality and elegance of design of the nearby listed buildings and the agreed proposals on C car park. The principle of providing modern buildings within historic settings is well established. The key to success is to respect the fundamentals of scale and geometry and use high quality finishing materials and detailing to reflect the quality of detailing of the important historical buildings. This allows the provision of modern buildings of their time whilst respecting the historic quality of conservation areas and the setting of listed buildings. It is considered that the proposals, subject to further design revisions, have strong potential to deliver the necessary quality.

The proposed finishing materials are a predominantly simple palette of curtain wall glazing to the lower two floors of commercial space and staff facilities and a red-sandstone effect cladding to the upper hotel bedroom floors. A horizontal pressed steel channel also clearly defines the split between the bedroom floors and public areas of the building. This and the vertical chrome columns frame the glazing to the lower areas. Visual interest is created through creation of recessed shadow lines to the windows, creation of an off-set window pattern to the bedrooms, and horizontal expression of the cladding material at each floor level. A translucent glass cladding panel is used for the roof top plant areas and service entrance to screen these areas whilst allowing light to diffuse through. It is also used in combination with a composite slate grey panel to create a vertical feature panel to the Portland Crescent/Woodhouse Lane corner.

However there are still concerns with the following design elements:
1. It is proposed to use a look-a-like red sandstone material. A sample has been requested for Plans Panel and it is queried whether this can adequately reflect the quality of the materials used for the surrounding listed buildings.
2. The excessive proportions of the base glazed floors in relation to the upper floors at the southern end of the site are considered to create an uncomfortable scale at ground level.
3. The limited 2 metre head height indicated at ground level to the Portland
Crescent/Woodhouse Lane corner elevation contradicts the drawn sections in this location which indicate a 3 metre head height.
4. The position of the columns in relation to the glazing needs to be regularised. Currently they are set either in front of the glazing or in line with it.
5. The transom lines and door position to the ground floor southern end to Portland Crescent need to align with the rest of the elevation.
6. The southern most vertical shadow gap to Portland Crescent should be removed and the other shadow gap to mark the start of the taller element should be no greater than 15cm wide.
7. The framed box feature to the first floor Woodhouse Lane elevation is out of character with the rest of the design.
8. The splayed corner to the Cookridge Street return needs to be simplified. It creates an awkward recess particularly at ground floor level.
9. There is a confusion of materials to one bay of the Portland Crescent ground and first floor elevation which should be replaced by a single glass panel and/or translucent material to better match the rest of the elevation at this level.
10. The feature panel to the Portland Crescent corner should be recessed as per the windows.
11. The stall riser material needs to be specified.
12. The submitted plans, visuals and sections need to be consistent e.g. the elevation treatment to the service entrance is shown differently and the vertical shadow gap to Portland Crescent is shown at different widths on plan and elevation drawings. It is considered that subject to clarifying and resolving these details the proposals can be supported and would deliver the calm, elegant design considered most appropriate for the site.

With regard to the impact on wider views from the adjoining Conservation Areas (City Centre and Queens Square) the contextual plans help to demonstrate that the buildings would not be unduly visible from Millennium Square and would have no greater impact than the existing modern tall buildings visible from Queens Square. The building would form part of the backdrop of modern tall buildings to the historic scale of Queens Square and Millennium Square.

5.0 Loss of Trees and impact on Visual amenity
Due to the limited width of the site and the requirement to provide emergency access easements to the Walkabout Bar it is not possible to retain the existing 18 trees. The infilling of the subway and creation of an approximately 14 metre wide pedestrian area to Woodhouse Lane will provide opportunity for some replacement tree planting but cannot accommodate a full replacement (full details to be agreed by condition).

It is considered that the development of this “gap” site in the street and the provision of a wide landscaped pedestrian frontage to Woodhouse Lane will help to enhance the appearance of the site and the visual amenities of the area (notwithstanding the loss of existing trees). In addition the applicant has agreed to compensate for the net shortfall of trees by making a financial contribution to the City Centre Arboretum Project which will be controlled by a section 106 agreement. On balance the loss of the trees is considered acceptable and is not a sufficient reason to resist the proposals.

I've had a bit of a root around on the architects' website but there are no renders there.

Should be good and would bulk this area up more alongside the Rose Bowl development. Presumbaly this is the hotel (guessing cheap Travelodge type place) which will be constructed round the back of Walkabouts. At least it will tidy things up a bit to see part of the subway at the Clay Pit Lane / Woodhouse Lane filled in especially as it has been disused for coming up to 15 years now. Is there any plans to sort out the ends by the Merrion Centre and Viva Cuba (former Cobourg pub)? Il awaite judgement though until somesort of render appears.

I wish they would open up the subway, not fill it in! It's an absolute bugger to get from the Merrion to millenium square/civic hall, the amount of roads you have to cross! :bash:

I had a look at the planning application for this and it's a bit of a dog. The council are right to pull out the detailed design faults listed above. I think the main problem is the cladding material; it looks heavy and there's a risk of low quality. Hopefully the council planners will continue to resist until they are satisfied that this will be good enough.

I haven't seen any online renders either, before anyone asks.

hmm i dont like the sound of "red sand stone visial effect" lol

I share the opinion of the planners, in that this area needs to have proposals that have cladding that is high quality to reflect the high quality surroudings. If anything, buildings around this area need to have gone thru the utmost scrutiny. Its good to see this happening.

Shame it cant be a 50 storey building tho :lol:

or even 20 storeys

http://www.bbc.co.uk/leeds/content/webcams/millenium_square_webcam.shtml Seems to be an exhibition in Millennium Square, similar to Earth from the Air (which was very good). It may even be Earth from the Air again! It worked well when it was on Briggate though instead of on Millennium Square (it moved when the Christmas markets arrived).

I had a look at the planning application for this and it's a bit of a dog. The council are right to pull out the detailed design faults listed above. I think the main problem is the cladding material; it looks heavy and there's a risk of low quality. Hopefully the council planners will continue to resist until they are satisfied that this will be good enough.

I haven't seen any online renders either, before anyone asks.


I think the proposal came back to the plans panel after considerable reworking, including the replacement of the red sandstone with Portland stone. Whatever the changes look like they've obviously done the trick, since the application was approved last week. I notice, though, that the developers have to submit examples of the Portland stone cladding to the planning authority for approval. This development, although relatively small, should help complete this end of the Millennium Square.


WARD: City & Hunslet

Application Number 07/00796/FU

Applicant: Portland Crescent Leeds Ltd

Proposal: Erection of part 6 and part 11 storey hotel building and 2 ground floor A3/A4 (pub/restaurant) units

Site: Car Park Corner Portland Crescent and Cookridge Street Leeds LS2 3AW

Decision: Approved

Decision Date: 4 December 2007

Type: Full Planning Application

Decision Type: Committee

Can ayyone show me on a map where this is going to be? I can't think where this car park is.

It's the small car park behind, and next to, Walkabout. (you can see a bit of it on this photo, at the top of Cookridge Street)

http://www.leodis.net/imagesLeodis/screen/22/2002227_58395022.jpg

I wonder of they will build on top of Walkabout as they planned to do with the City Screen cinema that was once proposed for this site.

I think the proposal came back to the plans panel after considerable reworking, including the replacement of the red sandstone with Portland stone. Whatever the changes look like they've obviously done the trick, since the application was approved last week. I notice, though, that the developers have to submit examples of the Portland stone cladding to the planning authority for approval. This development, although relatively small, should help complete this end of the Millennium Square.

The revised scheme looks a lot, lot better - and this might actually be really good now. It's amazing what a simple change of material can do!

Cheers Di Livio, that car park is tiny! They want to put a block of 6 storeys and a block of 11 storeys on that?

It's deceptively small becuase they may build up the Walkabout section as well as covering over the minging eyesore of the old subway system.

http://www.jennidanson-art.me.uk/situat1.jpg

milly square today: sorry about the poor quality, was on my mobile phone

http://i15.tinypic.com/6kz6smt.jpg

http://i6.tinypic.com/6ku4epd.jpg

http://i12.tinypic.com/8fcg268.jpg

Were you in hospital?

Were you in hospital?

how very dare you!

yes lol. tonsils

It's deceptively small becuase they may build up the Walkabout section as well as covering over the minging eyesore of the old subway system.

http://www.jennidanson-art.me.uk/situat1.jpg

What's all the yellow stuff?

What's all the yellow stuff?

http://www.jennidanson-art.me.uk/situat3.jpg

It's a yellow thread inspired artwork for Situation Leeds.

http://www.jennidanson-art.me.uk/situation%20leeds.html

It's deceptively small becuase they may build up the Walkabout section as well as covering over the minging eyesore of the old subway system.

http://www.jennidanson-art.me.uk/situat1.jpg

I Like, look at the attention it's getting from the passers by, we need more of this type of public art.

The revised scheme looks a lot, lot better - and this might actually be really good now. It's amazing what a simple change of material can do!

Have you got any renders of this scheme and could you show us? If not could you describe what is different in your view to make the scheme much better. I guess they would use materials which would try to match in with Walkabouts and will they be building on top of it as Di Livio suggested and do you know who will be occupying this hotel (guessing something like a Travelodge or Premier Inn) and the restaurant / bar which is meant to open on the ground floor. When is this expected to be finished for as obviously the originally proposed completion date of Summer 2008 is probably a tad too soon and would refer to the earlier application for this scheme?

Have you got any renders of this scheme

No.

and could you show us?

See above.

If not could you describe what is different in your view to make the scheme much better.

It will be white rather than red, making it look lighter and more in keeping with the Civic Hall.

I guess they would use materials which would try to match in with Walkabouts

Why would they want to match Walkabout?

and will they be building on top of it as Di Livio suggested

No.

and do you know who will be occupying this hotel (guessing something like a Travelodge or Premier Inn) and the restaurant / bar which is meant to open on the ground floor.

No.

When is this expected to be finished for as obviously the originally proposed completion date of Summer 2008 is probably a tad too soon and would refer to the earlier application for this scheme?

I have no idea.

I actually meant the building Walkabout is housed in of course and not the bar itself (eg: does it have similar materials to the Walkabout building). Anyway how do you know it now looks good now. Do you work for Leeds City Council?

how very dare you!

yes lol. tonsils

I've had my own tonsil trouble in the past. Make sure you eat ALL your tablets!

I've had my own tonsil trouble in the past.

u want to be careful what u suck :nuts:

I remember seeing that yellow string artwork. I just thought a load of creative students had done it.
Has anyone seen that subway recently? It's all been cleaned up and there is a peice of rather good looking grafitti there.

u want to be careful what u suck :nuts:

Yeah my trouble was sexually transmitted too, although there was no sucking on my behalf

I actually meant the building Walkabout is housed in of course and not the bar itself (eg: does it have similar materials to the Walkabout building).

I knew what you meant.

Anyway how do you know it now looks good now.

I looked at the planning application. It's publicly available.

Do you work for Leeds City Council?

That isn't any of your business.

I remember seeing that yellow string artwork. I just thought a load of creative students had done it.
Has anyone seen that subway recently? It's all been cleaned up and there is a peice of rather good looking grafitti there.

I noticed this as well! Anyone know if there a plans to reopen the subway? this area has been cleaned up, and there are some new steps going in on the Merrion side of the road.

It'd make sense to re-open it it's a right pain in the arse waiting for the lights to change. If the council don't open it up they should just fill in the land and create abit more space for pedestrians.

It'd make sense to re-open it it's a right pain in the arse waiting for the lights to change. If the council don't open it up they should just fill in the land and create abit more space for pedestrians.

I agree with you there. The amount of crossings you have to cross is ridiculous! The subway is currently used to store stuff for Millennium Square as they built the square and then realised they had nowhere to store the concert stands and other things.

Oh I didn't realise that. I thought it was just closed up. Im sure one of the ends is concreted over where the graffiti is?

The new hotel building will be built over the subway.

I find that crossing roads is annoying but I don't like subways either. They tend to attract people hanging around and just general intimidating stuff. I avoid them when I can regardless of how many roads I have to cross.

Next week's meeting of the City Centre Plans Panel will see a resubmission from the developers of the proposed hotel on Portland Crescent and Woodhouse Lane. This is the empty site which faces the rear of the Civic Hall and the side of the Rosebowl.

Full details of the resubmission can be found here (http://democracy.leeds.gov.uk/Published/C00000173/M00003556/AI00017044/0805664FUDCarParkPortlandCresLIST.pdf) but the changes can be summarised as an increase in the height of the tower from 11 storeys to 14 storeys. The overall accommodation provided by the hotel will increase from 178 bedrooms to 246.

^^
An interesting document. Thank God the subway entrance will be filled in at last.

Next week's meeting of the City Centre Plans Panel will see a resubmission from the developers of the proposed hotel on Portland Crescent and Woodhouse Lane. This is the empty site which faces the rear of the Civic Hall and the side of the Rosebowl.

Full details of the resubmission can be found here (http://democracy.leeds.gov.uk/Published/C00000173/M00003556/AI00017044/0805664FUDCarParkPortlandCresLIST.pdf) but the changes can be summarised as an increase in the height of the tower from 11 storeys to 14 storeys. The overall accommodation provided by the hotel will increase from 178 bedrooms to 246.

Is this the site next to the Rose Bowl, (where the construction offices are sited at present) or the site where an arts cinema was originally proposed? Either way, one hotel group has obviously seen the potential for big business as it is 2 minutes from the Arena site.

This looks like a good proposal. Is the proposal for an 11 stroey building, or as the application dictates at some point, a building of no more than 5 storeys?
It will be good to get some of this area tidied up for the arena developement.

http://millenniumsquare.a-q.co.uk/images/image.jpg
Ice Cube opened today until March 8th for skating between 1200 and 2130.

Next week's meeting of the City Centre Plans Panel will see a resubmission from the developers of the proposed hotel on Portland Crescent and Woodhouse Lane. This is the empty site which faces the rear of the Civic Hall and the side of the Rosebowl.



This has been deferred to allow more work on the proposals. The height seems to be a particular problem.

http://democracy.leeds.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.asp?CId=173&MId=3556&Ver=4

It appears that the application was to be considered, and the recomendation from the planning officer was to defer and delegate the decision to him, which he would then apply a list of conditions prior to approval. As Even Flow reported they deffered without delegating. Shame.

Hopefully this will happen next time, I think a substantial and fairly prestigious hotel will be good for this important location right in the civic heart of Leeds, in both form and for the facility this will provide to the civic quarter and the arena, and will fill an ugly 'grot-spot' in this sensative part of town. It is also a similar heght to and next door to the College of Technology, so won't be out on it's own on the skyline but will provide a nice tall corridor effect with Merrion House nearby too

This has been deferred to allow more work on the proposals. The height seems to be a particular problem.


Well, the developers haven't been deterred by the deferral. They're back at next week's meeting of the Plans Panel. See here (http://democracy.leeds.gov.uk/Published/C00000173/M00003558/AI00018059/DcarparkforAngela.pdf) for the details. The good news is that the Woodhouse Lane end of the building is still at 14 storeys.

This proposal seems to have been through the wringer a few times with the Plans Panel. But it's finally been approved; see here (http://democracy.leeds.gov.uk/Published/C00000173/M00003558/$$$Minutes.doc.pdf) for the draft minutes of the last meeting of the Panel.

"PLANS have been unveiled for a £31m new four-star hotel in Leeds city centre which will be one of the largest of its type in the city.

The 14-storey, 244 bedroom Portland Crescent Hotel is being developed by Oxford GB on land owned by Leeds City Council next to Leeds Metropolitan University's new Rose Bowl building and close to the site of the new Leeds Arena.

The developers have already secured planning approval and work will start on site this year with the project due to be completed by the end of 2011."

http://www.thebusinessdesk.com/assets/_files/cached/img/310x237/mar_09/businessdesk__1236856856_portland_crescent.jpg?access=604T028T840

The full article:


BREAKING NEWS: New £31m hotel announced for city

12th March 2009

By David Parkin - Editor
Portland Crescent Hotel



PLANS have been unveiled for a £31m new four-star hotel in Leeds city centre which will be one of the largest of its type in the city.

The 14-storey, 244 bedroom Portland Crescent Hotel is being developed by Oxford GB on land owned by Leeds City Council next to Leeds Metropolitan University's new Rose Bowl building and close to the site of the new Leeds Arena.

The developers have already secured planning approval and work will start on site this year with the project due to be completed by the end of 2011.

The hotel will be one of the largest four-star properties in the city after the new 300-bedroom City Inn which is opening in Granary Wharf later this year.

Simon Wood, director of Oxford GB, which developed the Hilton Garden Inn in Luton last year, said that talks are being held with around four major hotel groups to run the hotel, including Hilton.

Plans for the hotel were announced at the MIPIM international property conference in Cannes.

The hotel will be on a 0.3 acre site within Leeds' civic quarter, a minute's walk from Millennium Square. It will have a restaurant and bar, business centre, eight meeting rooms, a club lounge and fitness suite.

The Portland Crescent Hotel will be clad in Portland stone and the design and construction of the hotel will be undertaken by Surrey-based GB Building Solutions which has an office in Wakefield. It has been designed by Dexter Moren Associates.

Mr Wood said: "As the closest hotel to the new Leeds Arena, Portland Crescent Hotel will be an integral part of the business and leisure offering in the city. We are pleased to be part of the success story in Leeds, and believe this hotel will enjoy strong weekday and weekend occupancy. We already have interest from a number of hotel operators in the scheme."

He said he was confident the group's timing is right to launch the project now, during the downturn, and complete it in two years time when economic conditions are likely to have improved.

Jean Dent, Leeds City Council’s director of development said: “This is a prime site within the civic quarter and is perfectly situated to benefit from the development of the new Leeds Arena. It is the final piece of the jigsaw, which will complete the regeneration of this new part of the city centre, which started with the redevelopment of Millennium Square.”

I don't like it.

It's very brutal isn't it, nice to finally see it after all this time though. Should give some height to the area.

I quite like it myself. To start with, it's good that we're getting proposals and developments through with the economy as it is. The image also shows an active street frontage- something that will be most welcome in this part of the City. Perhaps it looks brutal because it's a block and looks like concrete. But it's quite well designed really:
-The back is the same height as the Academy- it will link the Civic Quarter to Woodhouse Lane well.
-It is using Portland Stone, not concrete.
-It will block views of the back of The Plaza from some viewpoints.

I think it will be a very beneficial development- and it shows how the arena is already acting as a catalyst for regeneration in the area.

http://www.thebusinessdesk.com/assets/_files/cached/img/310x237/mar_09/businessdesk__1236856856_portland_crescent.jpg?access=604T028T840

Well it looks ok to me and it would surely help bulk this end of town further although personally I would rather if there were more window space and surely that Portland Stone cladding would look dirty after a few years if it is not washed. Also could this scheme just be left on the backburner until the economy improves (especially as this proposal was first proposed back when the economy was in good shape) and surely the existing Merrion Centre Best Western Hotel is pretty much equidistant to the Leeds Arena site compared with this planned hotel?

I take it there is no news on Leeds Met Uni completing the rest of the Rose Bowl site which has recently reopened as a surface car park and wasn't there a hotel proposed for that site as well?

I'm sure it will start as soon as possible.

'He said he was confident the group's timing is right to launch the project now, during the downturn, and complete it in two years time when economic conditions are likely to have improved.'
and
'The developers have already secured planning approval and work will start on site this year with the project due to be completed by the end of 2011.'

Both are pretty definite statements.

It could turn dirty if not cleaned, but you could say the same about any building using light coloured materials. The Queens has managed to keep itself clean since it cleaned off all that black grime, despite traffic levels on the City Loop probably being higher than ever.

I definitely agree that it will be a positive addition, and a great improvement on what's currently there, I'm just not keen on the design.

I'd much rather have it like that than not at all, I just think that the portland stone could do with being broken up a bit. I like the combination of stone and red brick on the Blomfield buildings and the electric press/carriage works for example. Also, because it's quite wide it looks like a big block, which is a shame. And finally, I'm quite bored with the whole unaligned windows thing, which seems to be the design of nearly all new buildings in Edinburgh (though I'm aware not in Leeds, so I suppose it's not a big deal).

It sounds like I'm ranting, but they're all just minor points really and I'm confident it will be a nice development and improve the area a lot.

And finally, I'm quite bored with the whole unaligned windows thing, which seems to be the design of nearly all new buildings in Edinburgh (though I'm aware not in Leeds, so I suppose it's not a big deal).

There doesn't seem to be too much of it in Leeds, but in Manchester proposals (well Simpson proposals- which happen to dominate Manchester like Carey Jones dominates (or did) Leeds) it's everywhere.

its looks bad in that pic because you cant get a feel for the portland stone. if i recall, portland stone always looks nice. Yes it looks like a car park in that pic lol but i think when we see more renders up close it will look quite nice and really fit in with the other stone surroundings.

The best thing is that it has a lot of ground level interaction which is something quite important yet on many occasion missed of completely on many new build developments.

It looks like the stone could be textured, rather than plain flat stone like on Bridgewater Place.

Not sure how I feel about the design.. hopefully it will turn out top notch and add to the quality architecture surrounding it. Would have loved there to be a huge stinking tower nearer the arena, but obviously economy isn't gonna allow for that.

Definately good to see new renders for the city popping up when the economy is so fu**ed. Will definately be a welcome addition to the area, woulda been nice for it to be bigger tho lol

The arena should help move the focus in this area away from students. Therefore, we could expect to see less student accommodation, and more things like hotels. In turn, this could bring some quality architecture and striking designs to this area of the City.

Although it looks uncomfortably similar to Kitson college/college of technology, it will at least block views of it's grey concrete slab side from the universities. Anything that isn't from the last century is good in this area of town.

http://www.leodis.net/imagesLeodis/screen/02/2006816_161802.jpg

Its all portland stone the Tech college, don't mind it myself. Merrion House over the road is concrete.

that looks to be on the small car park site directly at the back of Walkabout and the T&C. Was always rumoured to be the site of a new art house cinema, but I guess with the Everyman taking space in Trinity Quarter, this is a reasonable fall back plan. Surprised they can push ahead in this current climate, but good on them. Basic design, small windows.....should be okay.