DLA have been entrusted to bring this much-loved former cinema back to life as a 65,000 sq ft business hub, along with lively leisure and cafe areas. The redevelopment of ‘The Majestic’ in City Square, Leeds, following a devastating fire in 2014, presents a rare opportunity to create a new mixed-use destination within the iconic façade of the building, preserving the site’s heritage.

The design concept retains the iconic existing building façade which forms a familiar plinth from which a more delicate new façade emerges. A crown of anodized bronze fins create an elegant outer layer, providing a further but harmonious contrast to the existing plinth and functioning as brise soleil shading the new office spaces behind. 

Inside key features of the original building have been reinterpreted. The proscenium arch has been placed back in its former location, now acting as the defining feature of the new triple height foyer. Referencing the Beaux Arts style an anodised framework defines the ‘screen area’ animated by the activities of office spaces beyond. A manifestation of a significant cinematic scene will also be recreated on the glass further linking the space to its celebrated past.

The scheme has been well received by both Historic England and the Leeds City Council and the project was granted planning approval in November 2016 with construction earmarked for Summer 2017.

Client : City Square Developments