A grade II-listed building prominently located in Leeds’ Northern Quarter is to be extended and redeveloped into an apartment complex aimed at the professional market, if newly submitted plans secure council backing.

Constructed in 1904 as a public dispensary, Centenary House on North Street is owned by Leeds Society for Deaf and Blind People but is no longer required after services provided to the council by the charity were transferred to another provider.

Watts Planning has now lodged documents for a proposed conversion which involves the construction of a six-storey rear extension and a two floor addition to the main building alongside work to create a commercial unit at ground level.

This work is needed to allow the construction of 81 flats, including 40 studios, 35 one-bedroom flats and six two-bedroom properties.

Proximity to the city centre means the car-free development is being targeted at the professional market and the apartments will incorporate “high-quality design and finish”.

Leeds Society for Deaf and Blind People was established in 1866 and has been based at Centenary House since 1976.

If the plans are approved, the society hopes to sell the building to raise funds to allow it to increase the level of the currently curtailed services it provides to the deaf and blind community.

Image credit: Betty Longbottom