Building History
The venue for the Leeds Academy on Cookridge Street in the city was originally opened in 1885 by Prince Albert and is a grade I listed Gothic building. Known originally as the Coliseum it hosted many different events during the early 20th century such as political meetings and circus shows. Between the 1930s and 1990s the building accommodated a cinema, television studio and bingo hall.
The venue opened in 1992 as the Town and Country Club and between 1992 and 2000 staged gigs by artists such as Blur, David Bowie, Tangerine Dream, Robbie Williams, The Stereophonics, East 17 and The Stone Roses. The venue however closed in 2000.
In 2001, after a £7 million re-development of the venue by First Leisure Corporation, it opened as Creation Nightclub, but closed after six years in February 2007. The licence was acquired by AMG from Luminar and plans put in place for the new Leeds Academy in November 2007.
Read more about this topic: O2 Academy Leeds
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