Both the Glasgow and Leeds offices joined together for a weekend of building visits, exploring and socialising.

Leeds Town Hall

Fresh off the coach David Pogson and Brian Cox led two groups around the incredible refurbishment of Leeds Town Hall. Passing through the new 2 tonne stone gateposts, the sensitive restoration works are well underway to provide a new accessible entrance. The scale and sensitivity of the project was immense, and it was an exciting opportunity for the office to see the works up close.

In the evening, we wondered through Leeds numerous shopping arcades and visited the Corn Exchange where we saw the Leeds Architecture Awards exhibition featuring Hyde Park Picture House which has since won two awards at the Leeds Architecture Awards in the Adapted Buildings category and Project of the Year.

Leeds Playhouse

On Saturday morning we were given a brilliant tour of Leeds Playhouse by the Technical Director Judith Cloke. Judith gave us an honest and refreshing tour of the building, exploring it’s four theatre spaces and described how the building has evolved since its completion by Page\Park in 2019.

After lunch at Leeds central market hall, we travelled north, across the city to Hyde Park.

Hyde Park Picture House

As part of Leeds Heritage Open Days, senior Architect Mark Johnston presented a behind the scenes look into the redevelopment of the Picture House and gave a guided tour of the building. It was incredible to see how well used the building was with the new bay fronted café facing the bustling street and handmade tile artwork made by local school children.

Before dinner we were able to squeeze in a visit to former Tetley Brewery site that used to be one of the biggest employers in Leeds.

The Auckland Project, Bishop Auckland 

On the way back up to Glasgow we stopped at Bishop Aukland for a tour of the Niall McLaughlin Auckland Castle Faith Museum (completed 2020) and Auckland Tower (completed 2017). This was an incredible piece of regeneration that referenced the rich history and importance of the town.

The trip was an opportunity to learn from buildings old and new and re-group as an office to enjoy and celebrate the year so far.