The Union Club

The Union Club is a large purpose-built club constructed in 1877 by Lockwood and Mawson. It features three tall storeys and an attic, built from sandstone ashlar, and is located at the corner with Kirkgate. The building showcases fine masonry with Gothic and Romanesque details, including a steep pitched roof, a plinth, and a second-floor sill course, along with machicollated eaves. A Romanesque shafted portal leads to Piece Hall Yard, adorned with a foliate carved cornice and a balustrade above. An ornate lantern is present, and three tall narrow round-headed stair lights are grouped and stepped above. Gabled dormers and large gargoyles decorate the corniced eaves. The Kirkgate front has modern shops on the ground floor, while the first floor features five grouped narrow round-headed windows that light the club dining room. The range facing Piece Hall Yard is extended with sandstone "brick" and ashlar dressings, including a large brick bay window on the first floor. Inside the main block, the stairwell is supported by granite columns with cast iron brackets leading to the first-floor landing, and the staircase has cast iron banisters.