Globe Road, Leeds - April 2008

Ok, so I dropped the other half off in Leeds city center and decided to drive this way home, I only had a couple of hours so it'd have to be a quick one. Saw this building site on Globe Road in Leeds city centre. Only had the basics in my bag, so please forgive the quality of the pictures.



Access was pretty easy to this one, but once in I realised that security had a hut right at the bottom of the tower that I wanted a look up.





By the looks of it, this block is going to be turned into residential accommodation. The main block facing the road has been in better states, half of the roof is missing and there's a temporary roof up there.



I'd like to think that they're restoring this block, but the scaffolding has been put there to support it, but where it needed to go through a wall, they've just taken a sledge hammer and knocked a hole in said wall to get through the problem.

Can't decide if they're restoring or demolishing the roof



Thankfully, I read planning applications on the lamp posts outside that they're putting up-lighting onto the towers (which would be very eye-catching to say the least) so they're not going to be coming down any time soon.

There's also some old industrial units that I should imagine will be coming down as soon as they can.



Anyway, it was pretty exposed up on top and security saw me, so some quick escape tactics were needed and I had to leave the site with security in hot pursuit, and just as i popped out from behind the barrier in a hurry, it would be a police car that drove past wouldn't it

Anyway, I'm looking at spending a little more time down here and I really want to get up one of those towers. If anybody has any info on this place i'd be more than pleased to hear it

Edit: Is it unusual to hum the Indiana Jones theme tune when you're being chased by security through scaffolding (ducking and diving)?

The towers/chimney of this mill were built to replicate famous Italian buildings. I cannot recall which at the moment, but there is plenty written/recorded about them. There was a Yorkshire post article not that long ago. The original structures are listed, but the roofs are a major problem and are being rebuilt to original outline. There is much rot and the slates are shot. Knocking holes in the wall for scaffolding is not only the most cost effective way, but also the safest. Replacing brickwork is no problem these days, they either use reclaimed stock or use new, purchased from one of the specialised brick companies who will make bricks especially for restoration projects.

The site housed a full bore pistol range a few years ago, amongst other things. The conversion should do the old buildings proud

That's really good to hear. I know it doesn't look like it in the photos but the roof was heavily bowed. Glad it's being restored, it should look really good when it's done.

Is this the same place?

I has a bit of history.

http://www.holbeckurbanvillage.co.uk/history/tower-works.htm

Yeah, that's the place. Thanks for that, really interesting to know the history of the place

You missed the best bit.

snappel said:

You missed the best bit.

Click to expand...

Which bit was that?

Second to top picture, building on the rigth with the blue doors. In there, on the far side, is the old powerhouse which was fitted out with glazed brickwork and busts of leading figures in the cotton industry at that time, such as Richard Arkwright.

Worth going back for. But makesure it's daytime, as little light gets in, so it's quite dim in there.

(Photo courtesy Turkey)

Aah, magic. I might try and get in there if Security hide in there hut or something.

pmsl @ the indiana jones bit, good report mate

snappel said:

Second to top picture, building on the rigth with the blue doors. In there, on the far side, is the old powerhouse which was fitted out with glazed brickwork and busts of leading figures in the cotton industry at that time, such as Richard Arkwright.

Worth going back for. But makesure it's daytime, as little light gets in, so it's quite dim in there.

(Photo courtesy Turkey)

Click to expand...

Indeed i missed them my first time but then i was being shown around by Yorkshire Forward at the time! lol