Plans have been submitted for the refurbishment of levels three and four of the Grade II Listed Cloth Hall Court, transforming the space into a modern conference facility.

We are providing architectural and principal designer CDM services, working closely with Bellrock Consulting, HEXA Consulting Engineers and Couch Perry Wilkes. The project seeks to reimagine the currently vacant upper floors into a flexible, contemporary conference venue, supporting a wide range of events and functions. While owned by the University, the revitalised spaces will be dedicated to commercial use, strengthening the institution’s wider events offering within the city.

The architectural designs focus on reconfiguring and opening up existing rooms to create a series of welcoming, adaptable spaces that can respond to a variety of user needs. Crucially, they consider where materials and elements can be reused within the project, reflecting the University’s commitment to sustainable design. Key features include a dining space capable of hosting up to 170 guests, two flexible event spaces, a dedicated welcome area, and a refurbished lecture theatre. Underused areas have also been reimagined to provide improved support and wellbeing facilities designed to align with modern conferencing requirements.

As a prominent historic building, all interventions have been carefully considered to respect the architectural and heritage significance of Cloth Hall Court. With the two bottom floors already operating as successful conference and events facilities, the design team have worked closely with the University to establish an interior style that is both distinct and considerate of the existing building design.

The architectural designs focus on reconfiguring and opening up existing rooms to create a series of welcoming, adaptable spaces that can respond to a variety of user needs. Crucially, they consider where materials and elements can be reused within the project, reflecting the University’s commitment to sustainable design. Key features include a dining space capable of hosting up to 170 guests, two flexible event spaces, a dedicated welcome area, and a refurbished lecture theatre. Underused areas have also been reimagined to provide improved support and wellbeing facilities designed to align with modern conferencing requirements.

As a prominent historic building, all interventions have been carefully considered to respect the architectural and heritage significance of Cloth Hall Court. With the two bottom floors already operating as successful conference and events facilities, the design team have worked closely with the University to establish an interior style that is both distinct and considerate of the existing building design.

As a prominent historic building, all interventions have been carefully considered to respect the architectural and heritage significance of Cloth Hall Court. With the two bottom floors already operating as successful conference and events facilities, the design team have worked closely with the University to establish an interior style that is both distinct and considerate of the existing building design.

Alex Proctor, Project Partner at GSSArchitecture, commented: “It’s fantastic to be working in the city centre on such a prominent and historic street. As the higher education landscape continues to evolve, projects like this demonstrate how we can support universities in adapting their estates to ensure long-term sustainability. Drawing on our team’s expertise in reimagining listed buildings, I look forward to seeing this exciting project come to life.”


Bellrock Senior Director, David Blakey, said: “Bellrock Consulting is proud to be supporting the University of Leeds on the transformation of Cloth Hall Court, providing both Project Management and Cost Management services on this landmark scheme. This project represents a sensitive and thoughtful revitalisation of an iconic Grade II listed building, balancing heritage preservation with the creation of a high-quality, commercially viable conference facility. We are delighted to play a key role in bringing forward a scheme that will enhance the University’s events offering and reinforce Cloth Hall Court’s position as a premier conference and events destination within the city centre.”

We have also recently completed work on the already award-winning Ramsden Building, a grade II listed refurbishment project for the University of Huddersfield, and continues to collaborate with the University of Leeds on a number of other projects currently underway.

Bellrock Senior Director, David Blakey, said: “Bellrock Consulting is proud to be supporting the University of Leeds on the transformation of Cloth Hall Court, providing both Project Management and Cost Management services on this landmark scheme. This project represents a sensitive and thoughtful revitalisation of an iconic Grade II listed building, balancing heritage preservation with the creation of a high-quality, commercially viable conference facility. We are delighted to play a key role in bringing forward a scheme that will enhance the University’s events offering and reinforce Cloth Hall Court’s position as a premier conference and events destination within the city centre.”

We have also recently completed work on the already award-winning Ramsden Building, a grade II listed refurbishment project for the University of Huddersfield, and continues to collaborate with the University of Leeds on a number of other projects currently underway.