Historic Church and Gurdwara set for new life as gym and library

A historic former church which was used as a Sikh temple could be turned into a gym and library if the council gives consent.

New plans have been submitted for the conversion of the Union and Congregation Chapel site on Chapeltown Road.

The Grade II-listed building dates back to the 1870s and was used as a Gurdwara from the 1960s.

The church, which was used as a location in the BBC crime series Better, has been vacant since a bigger temple was built opposite in the late 1990s.

Last year an application to convert the building into a dance studio was blocked by Leeds City Council.

A design report said: “This application follows a recently refused planning application  and seeks to address the council’s previous concerns.

“The elements which caused concern during the previous submission, namely the inclusion of external air conditioning units and the insertion of a mezzanine floor, have now been omitted from the scheme.”

If approved, the current proposal would create a gym and fitness centre on the basement and ground floor, along with a library and lounge area.

The report said condition of the site, which includes the former Newton Park Union Chapel, had deteriorated after it fell victim to fire and vandalism.

Its redevelopment would include partition walls and other alterations.

The report by Urban Future planning consultancy urged the council to grant planning permission, saying the proposed scheme would not negatively affect the Chapeltown Conservation Area.

It said: “The council cannot expect the building to remain vacant and fall into a state of disrepair.”

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