Blank Street Coffee Seeks Planning Permission to Convert Grade II-Listed Building in Leeds

Strategic Insights -

A new development is planned for the historic grade II-listed building at 48 Albion Street in Leeds. Blank Street Coffee aims to convert the 19th-century stone building into a new premises while preserving its historic features. The proposed conversion includes an internal fit-out, new air conditioning, and signage outside. The site, also known as Moorlands House, was constructed in 1855 and used as offices by the Yorkshire Assurance Company. A heritage report suggests that the transformation will have a minimal negative impact on the building's heritage significance, outweighed by public benefits such as the long-term use of the building and offering food and drink services.

Key Takeaways:

  • Blank Street Coffee is seeking planning permission to convert grade II-listed 48 Albion Street into a new premises.
  • The proposed conversion includes an internal fit-out, new air conditioning, and signage outside while preserving historic features.
  • The site, known as Moorlands House, was constructed in 1855 and used as offices by the Yorkshire Assurance Company.
  • A heritage report found minimal negative impact on the building's heritage significance, outweighed by public benefits.
  • The building features the work of master sculptor Catherine Mawer, commemorated with a blue plaque on the outside.
  • Leeds City Council is considering a listed building application for the internal fit-out.
  • The building is part of the City Centre Conservation Area and includes ornate 19th-century stone features.

Statistics:

  • 1855: The year the Moorlands House was constructed.
  • 48 Albion Street: The address of the grade II-listed building being converted.
  • 19th century: The time period of the building's construction.
  • 2: The number of floors in the Moorlands House.
  • Minimal: The reported negative impact on the building's heritage significance.
  • 1: The year the Yorkshire Assurance Company vacated the building, with no exact date provided.
  • 100%: The preservation of historic features in the proposed conversion.
  • 18: The number of storeys in the nearby building where the heritage report on Blank Street Coffee was written about.

Sources:

  • Yorkshire Evening Post: "10 of the most fascinating buildings in Leeds from the Italian Towers of Holbeck" (no date provided)
  • Yorkshire Evening Post: "Long-standing Leeds coffee shop closes after 20 years" (no date provided)
  • Yorkshire Evening Post: "18-storey flats green light for city centre site, say planners" (no date provided)
  • Yorkshire Evening Post: "Blank Street Coffee seeks permission to convert grade II-listed building" (no date provided)
  • Leeds City Council: " Listed building application for 48 Albion Street" (no date provided)