Historic Leeds Towers to be Restored

Over the next few weeks, specialists, including qualified steeplejacks, will be conducting extensive restoration and repair work on one of Leeds’ most unique and recognisable landmarks, the three towers of the historic Tower Works in Holbeck.

The iconic Italian-style towers – the Giotto Tower, the Verona tower, and the Little Tower – will be scaled to begin the work, which includes re-pointing the brickwork.

Debris from the base of the Giotto Tower is to be removed, and its gold-coloured glass tiles on the upper level will be repaired and replaced.

Councillor Richard Lewis, Leeds City Council’s executive member for regeneration, transport, and planning, said: “It is vital that we preserve buildings like this to protect the character of Leeds and so they can act as a catalyst for the sympathetic regeneration of neighbouring sites.”

The structures were built between 1844 and 1866 for use as dust extractors for a factory that made steel pins for the textile industry. Their design was influenced by Italian architecture, with the Giotto Tower being based on Giotto’s Companile in Florence, and the Verona Tower taking its design from the Torre dei Lamberti in Verona.

The renovation is part of a larger development in the area. Construction of around 147 flats, 92,000 sq ft of office space, and 20,000 sq ft of restaurants and bars will begin in January 2016.

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