Community hub plan submitted for former Holbeck cinema
Community Group Holbeck Together hopes to expand its services at the Old Box Office, on Domestic Street in Holbeck.
A historic former cinema could be converted into a community hub if plans are agreed with the city council.
Community Group Holbeck Together hopes to expand its services at the Old Box Office, on Domestic Street in Holbeck.
A charity shop, reception area, community cafe and kitchen would be provided if the scheme is given planning permission.
The project is a joint venture between the community group, which already uses part of the site as offices, Leeds City Council and owner Leeds Building Society (LBS).
Council funding and cash from the government’s Levelling Up Fund would help pay for the scheme.
The project would see the building gifted to the community group, which was established in 1992 to support elderly people and now welcomes people of all ages to use its services.
A design report said: “Once ownership is transferred, Holbeck Together will act as landlord and lease out parts of the building to tenants, including a community shop and first-floor office tenant.
“Holbeck Together aims to significantly expand its services to better meet the needs of the local community.
“Access to a larger, more flexible space would greatly enhance its services and facilities to the community.”
The building, next to Grade II-listed St Matthew’s Church, opened as the Picture House, an 824-seat cinema, in 1916.
It was turned into a bingo hall in 1962 and was later used as a building society branch.
The report said much of the building was now empty after being vacated by LBS, which began life as Leeds and Holbeck Permanent Benefit Building Society.
Elissa Newman, Holbeck Together’s chief officer, said in the report: “The Society’s decision to gift the building to Holbeck Together represents a remarkable act of civic generosity and a meaningful investment in the community from which it originally grew.”
External alteration to the building are proposed in a full planning application being considered by Leeds City Council.