Building of the Month August 2023: The Mechanics Institute, 4-8 Cross Green, Otley, West Yorkshire, LS21 1AL

The Mechanics Institute is a handsome and substantial grade II listed building standing on a public square at the centre of this West Yorkshire town just north of Leeds (LEN:1200204). Built in 1870 as an educational institution for the working population, it is designed in a dignified neo-classical style with 5 rounded headed windows lining the dominant first floor, with the central window flanked by rusticated pilasters. The rusticated ground floor has a central porticoed door: a cultured and refined palazzo standing with a back-drop of Yorkshire hills.

The Mechanics Institute hosted many lectures, theatrical productions and events in its history and later became a base of the Otley Museum and town council offices. It has been closed since around 2010 and was owned by the Council until sold to a developer in 2020. It desperately needs a use which would preserve its character and make good use of its original features.

Although the listing entry does not describe the interior, we have had reports from locals who remember the striking double height theatre or performance space on the first floor, presumably lit by the 5 tall windows which are such a prominent part of the building's design. On the ground floor there is a lecture theatre. The interior is likely to have a rich selection of other original decoration which contribute to its character.

The new owners submitted plans in 2022 (22/02163/LI) which proposed the conversion of the building into 35 flats including the complete stripping of the interior of historic fittings. This application was refused after a range of objections and as a result of deficiencies in the application. Another application was made in early 2023 (22/08096/FU) which appeared to be substantially the same scheme, only with fewer units. It again was deficient in a number of respects and did not have a Heritage Statement. It also drew many objections including from the conservation team and, as a result of such issues, was refused. At the same time, news of serious concerns for the structure emerged as a result of dry rot and the building was declared unsafe to enter. It is currently on the Council's Heritage at Risk list and the conservation team have been working with Building Control to ensure that the current owners stabilise the building with structural scaffolding. We understand that such discussions are still ongoing and some scaffolding has been erected along on side of the building.

This building deserves far better than this and the conservation team have advised that any scheme to convert it should seek to preserve the historic characteristics of the building. This is an important building for Otley and a notable historic building in its own right. A great deal of co-operative work will be needed to find a viable scheme, but a workable proposal is needed soon.

*Update* July 2023 – Scaffolding has been erected along a portion of the eastern façade and it is believed that there is also some internal scaffolding. The buildings historical material is still at risk and requires a sympathetic reuse scheme to bring it back to life.

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