Grade II Listed Canal Wharf Landmark Brought Back to Life
Contract Services was appointed as Principal Contractor by Pitalia Real Estate to deliver the comprehensive refurbishment of The Granary Building, a prominent Grade II listed property located within Leeds’ Central Canal Wharf Conservation Area.
Originally constructed in 1776 as a warehouse for the Leeds & Liverpool Canal Company, The Granary is one of Leeds’ most recognisable heritage buildings. Having previously been converted into office accommodation during the 1990s, the building required significant investment to create a modern workspace while preserving its historic character and architectural significance.
Completed over a 26-week programme, this multi-million-pound refurbishment transformed the property into a high-quality commercial office environment, carefully balancing contemporary workplace requirements with the building’s rich industrial heritage.
The Challenge
Working within a Grade II listed building presented a unique set of challenges. Every element of the refurbishment required careful consideration to protect and enhance the historic fabric of the property while introducing modern facilities and infrastructure expected by today’s occupiers.
The project also required close collaboration with Leeds City Council, conservation stakeholders and the Canal & River Trust to ensure works were carried out sensitively within the Canal Wharf Conservation Area.
Scope of Works
The extensive refurbishment programme included:
- Full strip-out and enabling works
- Internal and external heritage restoration works
- Comprehensive mechanical, electrical and plumbing installations
- Creation of a new reception and entrance foyer
- Installation of new WC and shower facilities
- Installation of a new passenger lift
- Construction of external plant and cycle storage facilities
- Refurbishment and restoration of the existing staircases
- Coordination and cooperation with the Canal & River Trust throughout the project
A striking new entrance canopy was also introduced, creating a welcoming arrival experience while complementing the building’s historic architecture.
Delivering a Modern Workspace Within a Historic Setting
The refurbishment was designed to unlock the full potential of the building by creating flexible, open-plan office accommodation that celebrates The Granary’s original character.
Throughout the project, existing heritage features were carefully retained and enhanced, allowing the building’s history to remain a defining feature of the workspace. Modern services, facilities and finishes were seamlessly integrated to create a contemporary office environment capable of meeting the needs of modern businesses.
The result is a unique workplace that combines over 240 years of history with the functionality and quality expected from premium commercial accommodation.
Project Team
The project was delivered by Contract Services in collaboration with:
- Ernest Griffiths
- Pitalia Real Estate
- Harlex
- Cumming Group
- Urban Box Architects
- Space Invaders
- Richard Boothroyd Associates
Outcome
The successful completion of The Granary Building demonstrates Contract Services’ expertise in delivering complex refurbishment projects within historic and listed buildings.
By combining careful heritage restoration with high-quality modern construction, the project has preserved an important piece of Leeds’ industrial history while creating a stunning workspace environment for future generations of occupiers.
As Contract Services Construction Director Mark Appleton commented:
‘Re-purposing this fantastic building is at the heart of what we do, so we were ready for the challenge.’
The finished development stands as a showcase for how historic buildings can be sensitively adapted to meet modern commercial demands while retaining the character and heritage that make them truly distinctive.
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