First White Cloth Hall

Overview

Grade II* listed First White Cloth Hall is one of the most significant historic buildings in Leeds, dating back to 1711. It is situated on what is reputed to be Leeds’ oldest street, Kirkgate, considered to be its historic core with evidence of continuous development dating back to the Anglo-Saxon era. The Hall was originally built to provide the first covered hall for cloth trading, spearheading both the commercial growth of Kirkgate and a huge drive in the growth of the textile industry. Over the years it had fallen into a very poor state of repair and was on the Historic England Heritage at Risk Register for over 20 years. What remained of its structure was in a fragile state and required significant investment to ensure its long-term survival.

Tasks / challenges

Transformation of the derelict structure has included a complete rebuild of the collapsed west wing and northern elevation, as well as the recreation of the single, undivided assembly room space. Repair works have retained as much of the existing building fabric as possible, as well as reinstating materials and construction where previous unsympathetic alterations had taken place. The original oak timber trusses, which played a significant part in the building’s heritage, have been salvaged and incorporated into the roof structure as an interpretive element.

Activity

Mason Clark Associates provided full structural and conservation design services throughout the condition inspection, options appraisal, and site construction phases of the project. We assessed the remaining fabric for retention and specified complex temporary works to allow the original arched openings to be revealed. We designed new basement and foundation structures with major underpinning to existing brickwork. We devised a steel frame to support the fragile masonry of the remaining east wing, restoring the internal floors to full commercial loading. We also designed the frame to the reconstructed west wing, together with supports for the elegant glass atrium roof.

Results

This beautifully restored building is now off the Heritage at Risk Register and was winner of a number of construction industry awards in 2022. It is now available for full retail use and its restoration forms part of a much larger scheme to rejuvenate Kirkgate, the city's oldest street.