Council looks to acquire key Holbeck Urban Village assets

REGENERATION ambitions for Holbeck Urban Village could be given a boost next week, with council chiefs considering recommendations for the council to take ownership of key assets in a bid to support the regeneration aspirations of the area.

Senior councillors will debate taking ownership of the freehold of Leodis Court and the lease of the Round Foundry Media Centre at a meeting of the council’s executive board on March 5.

A report to the board explains that these assets currently belong to the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) but following a strategic review of its assets, the HCA has now proposed to dispose of them to the council.

The report adds that the HCA wants to ensure that these assets are managed and used to achieve the long-standing regeneration objectives set for Holbeck Urban Village and continue to support economic growth in the city.

Earlier this month senior councillors agreed to sell the council-owned Engine House in a bid to secure development at the primarily HCA owned Tower Works site.

Leeds City Council executive board member for the economy and development, Coun Richard Lewis said: “Taking ownership of these assets would allow us to use our position to help deliver our regeneration ambitions for Holbeck Urban Village and ensure this area reaps the benefits.

“We’ve been working closely with the HCA to identify how the public sector can best collaborate and use its assets positively, not to increase its portfolio stock but to stimulate economic growth in this part of the city. The Round Foundry Media Centre plays a key role in the city’s creative and digital economy and Leodis Court is an important site as an economic asset.

He added: “Confidence in Holbeck Urban Village is growing more and more with the railway station southern entrance works starting on site recently and the ongoing successes of over 150 business located there. We are committed to working with partners to realise this potential and secure regeneration, economic growth and new employment opportunities.”

A spokesperson for Homes Communities Agency said: “The sale of these sites will ensure that Leeds City Council can deliver their vision for the future of Holbeck. We will continue working closely with Leeds at the Tower Works site and other key locations across the city.”