Second World War air raid damage uncovered during Leeds Town Hall renovations
The historic damage has been revealed during redevelopment of the iconic city venue
Last updated 2nd Dec 2025
Historic damage from a Second World War air raid has been uncovered during the ongoing redevelopment of Leeds Town Hall.
The damage, caused by German Luftwaffe bombs during the night of 14th-15th March 1941 in what was called The Quarter Blitz, had been concealed behind post-war repair work.
The recent discovery, made during redevelopment work on the eastern wing, has exposed the full extent of the impact, including poor-quality ageing repairs that now require urgent structural upgrades to preserve the Grade I listed building.
Leeds Town Hall, designed by architect Cuthbert Brodrick and opened by Queen Victoria in 1858, suffered major damage during the air raid, with its Calverley Street entrance being badly hit and part of the roof collapsing.
Historical records and photographs from the time highlight the scale of the damage and the immense clean-up effort that followed.
The additional structural work, alongside the replacement of floor structures, has delayed the building’s reopening, now expected to take place around the end of 2026.
The wider redevelopment project includes the creation of a new accessible entrance, box office, and bar, as well as conservation work on features such as stone masonry, plasterwork, and doors.
The famous Leeds Town Hall organ is also undergoing restoration to improve its sound during performances.
Dan Doherty, from Kier Construction North and Scotland, said, "With heritage building projects, it's often only once construction begins that we start uncovering layers of history and discovering unexpected aspects of the building’s story - and this of course means we have to adapt our original plans."
"Even as we uncover these elements of the building’s heritage, the priority remains the same – working closely with Leeds City Council to create a modern, welcoming and accessible Leeds Town Hall, while protecting the key features which have made it such a stunning and beloved focal point for the city for more than 160 years.”
When completed, the redevelopment will allow Leeds Town Hall to host more ambitious events and performances.
Leeds Town Hall held the title of the city’s tallest building for 108 years and remains one of the most recognisable landmarks in West Yorkshire.