Sheppard Robson completes the refurbishment of Well Met’s latest venue: Cloth Hall Court

Once a major trading centre for the textile industry in Leeds, between the 18th- 19th centuries, this Grade II listed building has undergone a multi-million-pound refurbishment and is now a contemporary dedicated conference venue. Set to open in July, Cloth Hall Court will be the latest addition to Well Met’s portfolio of venues and has already received around £700k worth of enquires.

Central to the 3750m² development has been the desire to restore the building to its former glory; Sheppard Robson has creatively weaved the rich cultural heritage of the site into the fabric of Cloth Hall Court, with attention being paid to the smallest of details. Each conference and board room space takes inspiration from the building’s cloth selling heritage, and include the Tweed Suite, Bobbin Gallery and Cotton Room.

Designed to stimulate creativity and facilitate engaging and successful meetings, conferences or events; Sheppard Robson has carefully considered lighting, acoustics and aesthetics. Modern, white-washed walls coupled with innovative textures and natural finishes lighten the internal spaces, whilst accents of vibrant colours give the feel of a contemporary environment. Large original windows offset the contemporary elements, allowing daylight to flood each room.

To give visitors and guests a high quality conferencing experience, acoustic and lighting options have been carefully considered and adapted for the various spaces within the venue. Fixtures and fittings have been chosen to enhance delegate comfort and elevate the building’s sustainable credentials, with modern design features such as acoustic panels, soft furnishings and LED lighting.

The building underwent significant renovation in the mid-1990s, demolishing all the internal floors and finishes retaining only the external façade to Quebec Street – providing Sheppard Robson the opportunity to remodel the entire internal structure. Now a dynamic and versatile space, the modern layout and creative interior makes a refreshing addition to the sector in Leeds. The reception area has been completely opened-up, providing a well-lit open plan area which leads to the impressive Merchants Hall. This space delivers the main hospitality for visitors, whilst break-out and refreshment points located throughout the building encourage both visitor interaction and idea generation.

Helping to showcase the building’s historical roots, artwork supplied from five Leeds Beckett University School of Art, Architecture and Design students will be exhibited in various spaces throughout the building. The artwork will explore Cloth Hall Court’s role in the Yorkshire cloth industry as the commercial centre of Leeds’ booming textile trade.