£5 million investment plans for Morley Town Hall move another step forward

The plans, formulated after several rounds of public consultation, include works to protect the historic fabric of the building, the installation of a new café/bar, and upgrades to the theatrical experience in the Alexandra Hall. 

The major upgrade work will complement the internal works, which have been undertaken throughout 2025 and include the replacement of the electrical system and damp proofing.

Above: Installation of the new electrical system and damp testing in the Town Hall. (credit: Leeds City Council) 

Planning permission and Listed Building Consent for the work were granted in 2025, and Bermar Building Co Ltd, a specialist contractor in listed buildings, was recently appointed as the successful delivery partner following a competitive tender process. 

Designed by Henry Holtom and George Arthur Fox in a neoclassical style to showcase Victorian civic pride, the Grade I listed Morley Town Hall has been an imposing feature at the very heart of the town centre since its construction in 1895. 

Initially serving as a multifunctional, civic and community venue, hosting council headquarters, a police station, court facilities, and as the venue for community events and shows in the ornate Alexandra Hall, the Town Hall has, in more recent years, served as an events space and community hub.

Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Deputy Leader of Leeds City Council and executive member for economy, transport & sustainable development, said: “It gives me great pleasure to see the next phase of work begin on rejuvenating and updating Morley Town Hall. 

“A constant theme of the consultations showed local people wanted to see the Town Hall protected, modernised, and made sustainable for the future, while also remaining a valuable community space.

“The Town Hall is not just a focal point of heritage in Morley. It’s a critically important asset to the local people that will go on to serve the town for many years to come.”

Following completion of the work, the Alexandra Hall will bring world-class culture to the heart of Morley, in addition to welcoming back all the local community groups.

Above: Alexandra Hall following the start of works, with the temporary valence added in the 1970’s removed. (Credit: Leeds City Council)

Dan Merrick, chair of the Morley Town Deal heritage working group, said: “The Morley Town Deal board and Leeds City Council are working hard to ensure that the Town Hall is not only brought back to its Grade I listed grandeur, but is also futureproofed as an important community resource for many years to come. 

“If the Town Hall can realise its true potential, Morley stands to become a destination recognised for its cultural offer.

“I look forward to seeing how the Town Hall will develop and to seeing it reach its true potential.”

In preparation for the work to take place, the local landmark statue, ‘The Weaver’, was moved to a new location in Scatcherd Park in December.

The work at Morley Town Hall, together with the broader South Leeds Regeneration initiatives, aims to significantly enhance the cultural and heritage value of Leeds. These efforts focus on preserving and celebrating the city's rich historical and cultural assets while integrating them into a vibrant, modern urban landscape. Preserving places of local importance enhances the area, fosters community pride, and acknowledges local identity, providing lasting benefits for future generations.