Key Points
- A bar operator has submitted formal plans to convert part of the Grade II-listed Atlas House building in Leeds city centre into a brand-new live music venue.
- The venue, located at 31 King Street and currently housing cocktail venue Dirty Martini, is proposed to be rebranded as ‘The Room Where It Happens’.
- The application submitted to Leeds City Council outlines internal refurbishment and conversion plans to adapt the historic heritage building for live musical performances.
- The proposed transformation requires planning consent and listed building approval to preserve the architectural character of the historic city centre site.
LEEDS (The Leeds Times) October 30, 2026 — Plans have been drawn up to convert part of the historic Grade II-listed Atlas House on King Street into a new live music venue named ‘The Room Where It Happens’, subject to approval from Leeds City Council.As reported by regional news outlets covering West Yorkshire planning applications, a commercial bar operator has submitted a formal planning application to alter and refurbish the basement and ground floor space at 31 King Street in central Leeds. The premises currently operate as the Dirty Martini cocktail bar, which opened in the Grade II-listed building following extensive refurbishment works in late 2017.
What Are the Key Details of the Planning Application?
As reported by local media sources, the planning proposal details internal alterations intended to facilitate live performance spaces while maintaining the structural integrity of the historic premises. The site occupies a prominent corner position at the junction of King Street and St Paul’s Street in the heart of the business district in Leeds city centre.
As noted in the planning documentation submitted to Leeds City Council, the applicant seeks permission for internal layout reconfigurations to establish acoustics, stage space, and hospitality layout suitable for hosting live musical performances under the new venue name, ‘The Room Where It Happens’.
What Is the Historic Significance of Atlas House?
As reported in local heritage and architectural records, Atlas House is a landmark Grade II-listed Italianate-style building situated within the designated commercial core of Leeds city centre. Originally built as prestigious office suites, the ground floor and basement levels were subsequently converted into leisure and hospitality use.
Because the building holds protected listed status, any internal or external structural modifications require statutory Listed Building Consent alongside standard planning permission. According to details within the public planning portal, heritage assessments have been commissioned to ensure the proposed interior work does not adversely impact the historical fabric or architectural character of the building.
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Background of the Particular Development
Atlas House, situated at 31 King Street, has long served as an iconic structure within the traditional commercial core of Leeds city centre, located in close proximity to Leeds Railway Station and City Square.
In late 2017, cocktail bar brand Dirty Martini launched its first venue in Yorkshire at the site following a substantial investment conversion. The venue featured Art Deco-inspired interior design, private event areas, and a focus on cocktail hospitality.
Over recent years, the hospitality sector across West Yorkshire has seen shifting consumer trends, leading operators to explore experiential offerings, including live music and performance entertainment, to boost nighttime economy footprint in urban centres.
Future Outlook and Impact
If Leeds City Council grants planning consent, the development will provide local residents, music fans, and nighttime visitors with an additional dedicated venue for live entertainment in the city centre. The transition from a traditional cocktail bar model to a dedicated live performance hub offers greater variety to the local evening economy.
The introduction of ‘The Room Where It Happens’ at 31 King Street is expected to drive increased footfall into the western commercial sector of central Leeds during evening and weekend hours. Surrounding hospitality outlets, restaurants, and transport networks may experience secondary economic benefits from attendees traveling into the city centre for live events.
For heritage stakeholders and local council planning officers, the development presents a balance between preserving protected Grade II-listed architectural assets and ensuring the commercial viability of historic city centre properties through adaptive reuse.
