CONFIDENTIAL has word that national pub chain, JD Wetherspoon PLC, has finally applied for a premises licence at the former Elinor Lupton Centre premises on Headingley Lane.
The pub compnay said they were 'attracted to the building due to its architectural interest'
This is the latest development in Wetherspoons’ ongoing plan to secure the Grade II-listed property for use as a public house, having announced its intentions in 2007 and acquiring the site for around £1.5million in 2014.
Designed by local architect William Peel Schofield, the building opened in 1914 as a Sunday School and was later occupied by Leeds Girls Grammar School which used it for music and arts.
The historic plot has been the targeted by campaigners who had hoped the building could be used for local community purposes or social enterprise.
Wetherspoons - who have a track record of restoring and repurposing historic buildings as social hubs - stated in their application that they are 'attracted to the building due to its architectural interest'.
External changes to the building will be limited, but include the building of a new balcony area, while internal development will 'preserve the internal heart of the building' with 'minimal alterations' to the floor plan.
The application awaits review by Leeds Council.
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