Children’s services provider acquires Headingley building

Children’s service provider Polaris has bought the Grade II listed Moorfield House building in Headingley to transform it into a special educational needs school.

The opportunity to acquire approximately 20,000 sq ft on a 1.5-acre site will allow Polaris to cater for up to 80 students, in addition to the eight schools already up and running across the UK.
Fox Lloyd Jones handled the sale.

The property was originally built around 1855 before becoming a Missionary College in 1936. Throughout the war years it is thought to have been used as a wartime administration office by the Royal Air Force, then as regional offices for the Automobile Association. In recent years the building was occupied by marketing agency Brass (formerly Brahm) and acquired by Illuminating Investments in early 2020, before being purchased by Polaris.

Harry Finney, associate director for Fox Lloyd Jones, commented: “We’re really pleased to have successfully completed the sale of both Moorfield House and the Brahm Building to a user who is committed to restoring Moorfield House and will be using the wider site to its full potential.

“Moorfield House was a rare freehold opportunity and attracted significant interest from a diverse range of end users. We’re looking forward to seeing how the Polaris team transform the building into an educational space that will benefit the wider community.”

Loren Cahill, project manager for Polaris, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled with the acquisition of Moorfield House and Brahm Building in Headingley. With this remarkable space, we are poised to provide the best outcomes for young people, offering a supportive and empowering environment to learn, grow, and thrive. We cannot wait to open the doors to Ormston School and witness the positive impact we will undoubtedly make in the lives of these promising young individuals.”

Fox Lloyd Jones and Carter Towler were appointed as the joint disposal agents.