The Royal Armouries in Leeds has selected BDP as the architect for its £100m Waterfront Development project. The project will bring new conferencing, cultural, events, hospitality, and leisure space to the site. This development is expected to have a significant impact on the region.
The Waterfront Development project will put Leeds on par with other major event hosts and bring significant economic opportunity to the region. BDP took part in a competitive process involving several top UK architectural practices to secure the brief.
The Waterfront development will be centered on a new 3,500 square meter commercial exhibition and events hall. This will more than double existing facilities, creating over 8,000 sqm of conference and events space, and associated spaces. The new hall will provide a state-of-the-art venue for events and exhibitions.
Nat Edwards, Director General of The Royal Armouries Museum, said that BDP was selected due to their carefully curated team, which reflected the needs of the project and the unique aspects of the Royal Armouries. The team’s expertise was a key factor in their selection.
Vicky Casey, Architect Director and head of BDP’s Leeds studio, stated that the project gives them an opportunity to create a new destination on the waterfront, bringing people together through new creative experiences and the exchange of ideas. They are excited to work on this project and create a unique space.
The redevelopment plans are currently going through the final stages of options appraisal. Planning permission will be submitted for approval to the local authority in 2027. The project is expected to be completed in the near future, bringing new life to the waterfront area. Following a competitive tender process, BDP was chosen to take the project through the next detailed design stages, building on their previous work on the initial masterplanning phases, and the practice has a strong track record in delivering transformative regeneration and city-centre developments.