Yorkshire Post building sold to private investor

THE landmark Yorkshire Post building has been sold to a Yorkshire-based private investor.

Plans are being worked up for a number of possible uses, including a conference centre, HQ offices, a hotel, private residential and leisure or a combination of these elements in a major mixed-use scheme.

The building, which sits on a 4.75 acre site on Wellington Street in Leeds, was placed on the market at the end of 2012 following the relocation of Yorkshire Post Newspapers’ staff to new premises at No1 Leeds, on Whitehall Road. It has been sold for an undisclosed sum.

Demolition works will commence immediately on the building, which was officially opened by Prince Charles in December 1970, with consent for demolition having already been secured. Initially reclamation work from the interior and exterior will take place prior to pulling down the building, which will start in three to four weeks.

Paul Fox of joint agents Fox Lloyd Jones, who sold the site on behalf of Johnston Press, said: “On the back of a national marketing campaign we received a wide range of differing interests in the site reflective of its commanding gateway position  and the additional benefit of the to date unexplored riverside frontage.

“The successful purchaser demonstrated an ability to perform unconditionally and swiftly, and shared the city’s aspirations for a major landmark scheme for Leeds.

“It is an extensive site, which will become more apparent once the building is demolished and the area is opened up, which is expected by the end of June. Indicatively, it’s the same size site as that housing the First Direct Arena and being such an important western gateway to the city the site could accommodate a user similar to that of the Arena.

“It is undoubtedly one of the best development opportunities to come to the market in Leeds in recent years.

“The west end of the city is currently seeing significant activity with a number of high quality mixed-use schemes now being brought forward. We believe that the Yorkshire Post site will provide the perfect extension and gateway to this activity, as the city centre grows in that direction.”