Originally designed to house law courts, a council chamber, offices, a public hall, and ceremonial rooms, Leeds Town Hall has evolved over the years. Today, it serves as a vibrant concert hall, a versatile conference venue, and a picturesque wedding venue. While some council departments still operate from the offices, the building has also found fame as a filming location for numerous films and TV shows, adding to its rich history.

It was designated a Grade I listed building in 1951 and is considered one of the largest town halls in the UK. At 225 feet, it was the tallest building in Leeds for 108 years from 1858 until 1966. The unique baroque clock tower has been a landmark and a symbol of Leeds, though it was not originally part of the design until 1856 when Yorkshire architect Cuthbert Brodrick added it.

Politicians of Leeds City Council (then called Leeds Corporation) used the Moot Hall on Briggate until 1813. During the first half of the 19th century and mid-19th century, Leeds experienced rapid growth. It was evident then that the courthouse was no longer viable for its meetings. It was demolished in 1825 and replaced by a new courthouse on Park Row.
At the time, Leeds was competing with the neighbouring town of Bradford as the ‘wool capital of the world’ as it rapidly grew in that industry, attempting to elevate industrial Yorkshire towns with grand, majestic architecture by building St George’s Hall in 1851-1853. It was clear that Leeds needed its town hall, so physician and social reformer Dr John Deakin Heaton was inspired by European town hall designs and became a significant campaigner for Leeds having its town hall