Ensuring a sustainable future for a much-loved arts facility
Left Bank
Left Bank is a much-loved community arts facility in a deconsecrated church in Burley, Leeds. Founded on a shoestring in 2002, with minimal adaptations to the original church layout; the building has since operated as a cultural and community events space. It also hosts private events to help generate a sustainable income. This can be very lucrative, but limits the social aims of the Community Interest Company; as when the building is used for a private event, it is closed to the public.
The building was in good condition but didn’t function well. Group Ginger were appointed to improve the building’s flexibility and capacity and upgrade the facilities on offer to enable the Community Interest Company to enhance their offer and diversify its functions to secure a resilient business model.
Group Gingers work respects the building’s special character and provides sensitive adaptation to the listed structure to increase capacity from c. 250 up to c. 650/700, enable multiple concurrent events, better operation and improved accessibility.
The designs reconfigure the space, removing the pulpit and central choir stalls and relocating them to the periphery in order to create a flexible unimpeded central space. A new kitchen and bar have been inserted as a freestanding structure into the side aisle, minimising intrusive adaptation to the Grade II* listed building. Additional toilets, accessible toilets, new baby change facilities and new fire escapes were all necessary to accommodate larger audience numbers.
The resulting spaces now work better for audiences and organisers alike, ensuring this heritage asset continues to be at the heart of its community for years to come.
