A Grade II* listed railway landmark in Leeds is set to be transformed into a padel sports centre and gym after councillors approved redevelopment plans.
Ollo Padel has secured permission to convert the historic Roundhouse near Armley Gyratory into a sports and leisure venue featuring nine outdoor padel courts, indoor fitness facilities and event spaces.
Images of the proposed development were presented to Leeds City Council’s west plans panel, where members unanimously backed the scheme. Councillors heard that the project would preserve and repurpose one of Leeds’ most significant railway heritage buildings, which dates back to the 1840s.
The Roundhouse was originally built by the Leeds and Thirsk Railway Company and served as a storage facility for steam locomotives.
According to a council planning report, the circular structure was designed around a central turntable, allowing engines to be moved into storage bays. The report states: “The roundhouse was built as a circular storage building for steam locomotives around a central turntable. Constructed of red brick with paired round headed windows and a pitched slate roof with rooflights, it was completed in 1847 and is Grade II* listed.”
Otley and Yeadon cllr Colin Campbell welcomed the proposal, describing it as a sensible use of the site. Kirkstall cllr Andy
Rontree also praised the plans, calling them an imaginative and appropriate way to bring the building back into active use.
The development will include 75 parking spaces, cycle storage and improved pedestrian access.
The approved scheme follows earlier proposals for the site that were submitted in 2023 but did not progress.
Final approval has been delegated to the council’s chief planning officer, subject to planning conditions being met.
