The £5 million refurbishment of Morley Town Hall has moved a step closer after the building was formally handed over to specialist contractors.
The project, backed by Morley Town Deal and Leeds City Council — aims to transform the Grade I listed landmark into a focal point for community life, culture and events in the town centre.
Following several rounds of public consultation, the plans include measures to protect the historic fabric of the building, the creation of a new café-bar, and upgrades designed to enhance the theatrical experience in the Alexandra Hall.
Major upgrade works will complement internal improvements carried out throughout 2025, including the replacement of the electrical system and damp-proofing.
Planning permission and Listed Building Consent for the scheme were granted in 2025, and Bermar Building Co Ltd has been appointed as the delivery partner after a competitive tender process.
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.”
Designed by Henry Holtom and George Arthur Fox in a neoclassical style reflecting Victorian civic pride, Morley Town Hall has been at the heart of the town since it was built in 1895.
The building originally served a wide range of civic functions, including council offices, a police station and court facilities, while the ornate Alexandra Hall hosted community events and performances. In more recent years, it has continued to operate as an events space and community hub.
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.”
Once complete, the restored Alexandra Hall is expected to bring world-class culture to the heart of Morley, while also welcoming back local community groups. Ahead of the main works, Morley’s landmark statue, ‘The Weaver’, was relocated to Scatcherd Park in December to support site preparation.
Project partners say the town hall refurbishment, alongside wider regeneration work across South Leeds, will help strengthen the city’s cultural and heritage offer, safeguarding valued local buildings and ensuring they continue to serve communities for generations to come.
