The Building
The Majestic, a Grade II listed building located in Leeds, proudly occupies the corner of Quebec Street and Wellington Street. Originally constructed as a cinema during the early 1920s boom in picture palace construction, the Majestic closed in 1969 and subsequently served as a bingo hall and later as a nightclub. In 1993, it was listed at Grade II as the Top Rank Bingo Hall. A damaging fire in 2014 led to the loss of its original interior and roof, paving the way for a significant redevelopment. Today, the Majestic has been transformed into vibrant modern offices and serves as the national headquarters of Channel 4.
The latest redevelopment works saw the addition of three contemporary glazed storeys to the building, complemented by a new lightwell topped with a glass dome to illuminate the offices. This design accommodates the building’s deep floor plan and replaces the former billboard panels with new openings on the ground floor, blending historical significance with modern functionality.
The Glass
For this project, two distinct glazing solutions from our COOL-LITE® SKN range were utilised to meet the building’s unique requirements:
Three New Glazed Storeys:
For the newly added storeys, COOL-LITE® SKN 154 II was specified. This glass is designed to reduce solar heat gain, enhancing thermal efficiency and ensuring a comfortable environment for occupants throughout the year. Its superior solar control properties make it an ideal choice for modern office spaces.
Original Building:
For the original structure, COOL-LITE® SKN 176 II was selected due to its high neutrality factor. This glass maintains the building’s aesthetic integrity while providing excellent solar control, ensuring that the historic façade is preserved without compromising on energy efficiency.
Our COOL-LITE® SKN range is meticulously engineered to offer neutral solar control for commercial buildings, as well as large expanses of glazing in residential applications. This range prioritises comfort and energy efficiency, making it an ideal solution for preventing overheating and enhancing the overall energy performance of building spaces.
At Saint-Gobain Glass, we are proud to have contributed to the revitalisation of The Majestic. Our glazing solutions have played a crucial role in merging the building’s rich historical legacy with contemporary design and functionality, ensuring it remains a prominent landmark in Leeds for years to come.