THE grand press hall at the old Telegraph & Argus headquarters is being refurbished to attract new tenants to the “landmark” building.

Built over 40 years ago, the glass structure was an extension of the listed Hall Ings headquarters for the paper – and allowed passers by to witness the print process going on within.

The press hall closed a number of years ago as part of a national trend among papers of shifting printing to central hubs rather than multiple on-site print halls.

The T&A moved much of its editorial operations to New Hall on Rooley Lane in 2020, selling the five-storey Hall Ings building to a property developer. The paper has retained some office space in the Hall Ings building.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Inside the former T&A press hallInside the former T&A press hall

A retro arcade has taken up tenancy in part of the building, and the bulk of the property is now being marketed to potential tenants, with the aim being that the building remains in commercial use.

As part of the building’s refurbishment, the press hall has been given a new entrance – making the glass building the main entrance to the entire building.

The refurbishment of the print hall building will be designed, and project managed by Beckwith Design Associates Ltd.

T&A press hall hails dawn of new era

Anthony Lupton, managing director at BDA, said: “we are delighted to take this project forward and deliver a new use for the building.

“The proposed new entrance will serve a vital purpose that is to provide a pedestrian access directly from Hall Ings, making its iconic dark glass structure become the entire frontage the building.”

As part of the proposal, a protective canopy and raised terrace is being created, along with redesigned external works including steps, disabled entry ramps, and landscaping.

The 1200m2 dark glass curtain wall of the print hall was originally designed for the open production concept – showing how newspapers made in the early 1980s.

Beckwith says the building “still holds great potential for different types of businesses that would embrace a bright indoor space, mezzanine floors, high ceilings, and wide city views.”

The company added: “The new purpose of the scheme aims at commercial tenants that will enhance the property and provide a sustainable financial future for this landmark building.

“The facility will be a new highlight in the city centre and offers easy access to the Bradford Interchange station and nearby attractions, including The Broadway Shopping Centre, St George’s Hall, Great Victoria Hotel, and Little Germany.”