The University of Leeds has approved a multi-million-pound investment to expand Cloth Hall Court, its dedicated conference and events venue in Leeds city centre, creating additional space for business events, exhibitions and hospitality.
The redevelopment will bring the building’s currently unused third and fourth floors into operation, increasing the variety of event spaces available and expanding the venue’s overall capacity.
The investment aims to strengthen Cloth Hall Court’s position within Leeds’ conference and events market, providing greater flexibility for organisers hosting corporate meetings, exhibitions, networking events and larger conferences.
The expansion will introduce additional catering, networking and exhibition areas, alongside new flexible spaces designed to accommodate different event formats.
Research undertaken with existing and prospective customers has informed the development plans, identifying demand for increased capacity and more adaptable facilities.
Sustainability is also a central consideration, with the University forecasting that the improvements will reduce the building’s annual carbon emissions by 54%.
The design will incorporate references to the University’s heritage and Leeds’ historic textile industry, reflecting Cloth Hall Court’s longstanding connection with the city’s commercial development.
The Grade II-listed building on Quebec Street originally served the Yorkshire cloth trade and has subsequently been adapted for modern commercial and educational uses.
Cloth Hall Court reopened under University of Leeds operation in 2023 and has since established itself as a venue for conferences, corporate events and professional gatherings.
Recent events hosted at the property include Fintech North, Yorkshire Sustainability Week and the launch of Child Health Outcomes Research at Leeds (CHORAL).
The expansion builds on the venue’s existing conference facilities, which include boardrooms, presentation technology and catering services.
Sam Glenister-Batey, Deputy Director of Commercial and Business Development at the University of Leeds, said:
“Cloth Hall Court has already shown what a strong venue it can be, and this investment gives us the chance to take that much further. We’ll be able to welcome more people, host a much wider range of events and give organisers far more flexibility in how they use the building.
What is particularly exciting is what this means beyond the venue itself. Cloth Hall Court gives the University a fantastic presence in the heart of Leeds, bringing together businesses, partners and communities in one place. This expansion is a real statement of confidence in the venue, in the city and in the role the University can play within it.”
The investment is also expected to support Leeds’ wider business tourism and conference offering, providing additional facilities for organisations seeking centrally located venues.
Situated close to Leeds railway station, Cloth Hall Court is positioned to accommodate regional and national business events, with access to the city’s accommodation, restaurants and transport network.
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Economy, said:
“We welcome the investment into Cloth Hall Court and are excited for its impact on the city’s conference and events offer. Adding more space and greater flexibility will allow the excellent team there to build on their successes and give businesses more reasons to choose Leeds for their next event. This work will further drive us towards our ambition to be a growing city where innovation, productivity and inward investment combine to create a strong economy that benefits everyone who calls Leeds home.”
The redevelopment forms part of the University’s wider commitment to developing its conference and events operations while making greater use of its existing property portfolio.
The expanded facilities are intended to support the growing requirements of conference organisers, with additional space for event catering, exhibitions and networking alongside the venue’s established meeting facilities.
A completion date for the expansion has not yet been announced.
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