Transformation for Crispin House

A CITY centre landmark is to be transformed into more than 80 apartments and offer a retail unit and gym after being acquired by a Yorkshire developer.

Rushbond Group has bought Crispin House in Leeds for an undisclosed sum from administrators.

Wakefield-based GB Building Solutions has been appointed as contractor by Rushbond to create the 82 apartments at the grade-two listed building, which will be known as Crispin Lofts.

The building, a former textile factory, was set to become a hotel but the company behind those plans went into administration.
 
Jonathan Maud, managing director of Rushbond, said: “Crispin Lofts is a stunning building that is full of character and enjoys far reaching views so it offers the potential to create something very special that will be unlike anything Leeds has seen before. 

“The Northern Quarter has a really vibrant community and the variety of true loft living space makes for a unique and wonderful place to call ‘home’.
 
“Even though previous developers have already done a lot of structural work and some internal work on the building there’s still a lot to do in order to meet the specification and standard that Rushbond is renowned for so we were keen to start work as soon as possible and we expect the first apartments to be ready in May 2012.”
 
Kevin Grady, director of Leeds Civic Trust, said the building had played a major role in the history of the city. 

It was originally built in 1915 for Henry Heaton’s Clothing Company, and in 1979 became HW Poole & Sons Boot and Shoe Manufacturers. 

Mr Grady said: “In recent years it has been sad to see this tremendous building sat in a partly developed state. Leeds Civic Trust is absolutely delighted that Rushbond has acquired yet another key city landmark and is now returning it to its former glory with a viable use that will safeguard its future.”