Fifty Trust members and guests were recently treated to afternoon tea at the Metropole Hotel, or The Met as it’s now renamed, as a chance to see how the significant refurbishment is progressing.
We learned a lot about fenestration and rain water goods, both somewhat unglamorous but vitally important aspects of ensuring this 1899 Grade 2 listed and much-loved Leeds institution remains fit for purpose.
All 476 sash windows were removed and either repaired or replaced in wood by a local carpentry firm, double-glazed and painted grey, all at considerable cost, but much improving aesthetic appearance. Similar attention has been lavished on replacing roofing slates, repairing chimney stacks, complete with new pots and swapping PVC down pipes with traditional cast iron. All this will ensure the fine terracotta facade will be shown off to best advantage for years to come.
Although internal works are still progressing, we were shown examples of completed bedrooms and suites, tastefully decorated with specially commissioned wallpaper based upon the terracotta, together with a carpet design featuring abstract references to balls of wool. The room number has increased slightly to 125. The fine staircase is being cleaned, restored and repainted and all public areas have had air conditioning and fire protection measures tastefully incorporated. When completed, operation of the hotel will benefit from lower energy consumption as a result of significant investment in the latest air-handling and lower carbon emission plant that has accounted for much of the £15-£20 million refurbishment bill.
The Met have recently joined Leeds Civic Trust’s growing community of corporate members and kindly sponsored this event. It was apparent to all that the young and enthusiastic management group are extremely proud of their hotel and its emerging contemporary look. The City is indeed lucky to have seen such investment in a key piece of tourist and business infrastructure and it’s clear The Met seems to be in very safe hands indeed.
Jim Brettell, Leeds Civic Trust Trustee
