Yorkshire Post HQ hits market
ONE of Yorkshire’s best known buildings could fulfil a regional requirement for a top class hotel and conference facility, according to a key figure involved in its sale.
Paul Fox, of property agent Fox Lloyd Jones, believes the existing Yorkshire Post Newspapers building could be transformed into a landmark development for Leeds if a “visionary” comes forward to take it on.
It is widely expected that whoever buys the site, which has been the home of the Yorkshire Post and Yorkshire Evening Post since the early 1970s, will demolish the 220,000 sq ft of existing offices and printing works because of the complex’s lay-out and what many see as dated structures.
However, Mr Fox, whose Leeds-based company is marketing the site for sale, said although any buyer would most likely knock down the buildings associated with the printing of the two newspapers, there was the possibility of keeping the offices.
He said: “I would see the site being mixed-use. There is a possibilty the area that backs onto the river could be used for residential accommodation.
“There’s no reason the existing offices couldn’t be transformed into a hotel and conference facility. A top conference facility is something Leeds doesn’t have. It’s the next on the list. Leeds has an arena on the way but not conference facilities.
“I think the West End are of the city is an area that is going to grow. I think it’s the future of the city and this is a logical extension to the West End. It’s going to take a visionary and creative developer to pull it all together.”
Other options for the site could involve modernising the existing buildings to create modern offices and adding retail elements, Mr Fox said.
And he also moved to allay market speculation that the building is listed and stressed it wasn’t. However, it is understood that local history and civic groups may move to try to list it before it is sold as they view it as a site of historical importance.
Mr Fox would not put a market value on the site but said he had received early interest in it and was confident offers would be made.
However, these were likely to be subject to planning, he added.
The 4.75 acre site presently includes 150 car parking spaces, two access points and borders the River Aire.
Publishing group Johnston Press announced it was to move the two newspapers from the building – known for its concrete shell and iconic clock – to modern office block No 1 Leeds in August as it looks to save costs.
One stumbling block for any prospective buyer could be the amount of empty rates payable each year, which are understood to be around £700,000.
Joint agent on the sale is Rapleys.
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