Demolition considered for Gipton tower blocks

Leeds City Council is making preparatory steps for the removal of the two 10-storey apartment buildings, with initial plans suggesting the site would be earmarked for residential development.

Ridge is acting for the council, and has submitted an application to see whether prior approval is required for the proposed demolition of the buildings, known as Gipton Gate West and Gipton Gate East.

Located to the north east of the Leeds, the tower blocks are on either side of Oak Tree Dive and are expected to become vacant in July.

The application states that the Gipton Gate West site will be redeveloped into a single eight-storey residential building, and although there are no known plans for the East tower, it is expected to be replaced with a similar number of apartments.

Refurbishment of the two buildings is not considered viable due to layout and quality issues.

Currently, the towers comprise 120 flats and cover 2.5 acres, including parking and garages.