New plans to convert former Sikh temple into gym

A historic former church which was used as a Sikh temple could be turned into a gym and library if the council gives consent.

Plans have been submitted to Leeds City Council for the conversion of the Union and Congregation Chapel site on Chapeltown Road.

The Grade II listed building dates back to the 1870s and was used as a Gurdwara from the 1960s, but has been vacant for decades after a bigger temple was built opposite.

Developer Urban Future urged the local authority to approve plans, stating "the council cannot expect the building to remain vacant and fall into a state of disrepair."

Last year, an application to convert the building into a dance studio was blocked.

A design report said the application "seeks to address the council's previous concerns", according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

"The elements which caused concern during the previous submission, namely the inclusion of external air conditioning units and the insertion of a mezzanine floor, have now been omitted from the scheme."

If approved, the current proposal would create a gym and fitness centre on the basement and ground floor, along with a library and lounge area.

The report said the condition of the site, which includes the former Newton Park Union Chapel, had deteriorated after it was hit by fire and vandalism.

Its redevelopment would include partition walls and other alterations.

The report by Urban Future added that the proposed scheme would not negatively affect the Chapeltown Conservation Area.

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