
Leeds Playhouse
Key Facts
Client
Leeds City Council
Location
Quarry Hill, Leeds
Value
£13.4 million
Internal Floor Area
6,200m2
Completion
October 2019
A theatre turning to embrace the city
Project Info
The Leeds Playhouse has been transformed by a radical reconfiguration and extension of the existing building to create a new face for the organisation and improve accessibility for all.
The new frontage created on St Peter’s Street turns the theatre around to face the city centre and provides a new entrance and café at street level. The new façade of brightly coloured ceramics creates a strong visual identity that reflects the creativity and diversity of activity withing the building.
Along with the re-imagining of the two main theatres spaces to increase seating capacity and enhance access, a new flexible performance space has been created through the imaginative reuse of an existing basement. Improvements in access extend throughout the building to better connect the Playhouse with the streetscape on St Peter’s Street, the existing entrance on Playhouse Square and the new public space between the theatre and Leeds City College – Playhouse Gardens.




Testimonial
“A lot to recommend. A well put together, accomplished and well-thought-through extension. A willful and charming use of colour which a lot of architects shy away from. It's welcoming and not too stuffy and will encourage diverse audiences. There's a big wow about it and it's socially important.The ceramic patterning brings something creative and innovative back to the street. It's a happy, joyous building. The most striking piece of design.”
Scottish Design Awards Judges of the Architecture Grand Prix
“It is just fantastic to see the transformation which Page\Park have conceived landing so well with people as they begin to come back inside the building.”
Robin Hawkes Executive Director
“The transformed Leeds Playhouse marks the most exciting new chapter in our history for decades and we can’t wait to welcome everyone to enjoy and explore. The new building will allow us to offer the magic of theatre to everyone, all under one roof.
There is a tangible buzz around culture in Leeds right now – with the relocation of Channel 4 and the upcoming plans for Leeds 2023, this really is the most fantastic time to be re-opening a theatre that the whole city can be proud of.”
James Brining Executive Director
Selected Awards
Theatre Building of the Year 2020
SDA Awards - Winner of Architecture Grand Prix
SDA Awards - Winner of Public Building of the Year 2020
Civic Trust Awards - Highly Commended
Shortlisted for RICS Award 2020
Shortlisted for AJ Building of the Year 2020
Shortlisted for RIBA Yorkshire Award 2020