Leeds to wield CPO in Kirkgate

The council has voted in favour of the compulsory purchase of a row of derelict, privately-owned buildings that partially collapsed last year, potentially putting an end to its decade-long difficulties with the owner.

Two linked companies, City Fusion and Kirkgate Land Residential, have repeatedly ignored attempts by the council to facilitate improvements to the buildings, including refusing grant support from a council-backed regeneration scheme called the Lower Kirkgate Townscape Heritage Initiative.

Following the collapse in April 2024, the council continued negotiations with the two companies, with a view to purchasing the seven properties of Nos83-89.

A market value offer, based on an independent valuation, was made but not accepted.

Since then, the buildings have been cordoned off and the road has been closed to traffic due to the safety barriers.

The council wishes to fully restore the buildings, complementing other regeneration activity delivered in Lower Kirkgate, such as Rushbond’s restoration of the First White Cloth Hall.

At its meeting on 17 July, the request for a CPO was approved and although no formal dates have been set, a report by the council stated that it hopes to complete its 16-week stabilisation works on the buildings by the end of this year.

An update on plans for the reopening of the road after the work has been completed will be provided in due course.

Cllr Jonathan Pryor, LCC deputy leader and executive member for economy, transport and sustainable development, has previously said: “The situation on Lower Kirkgate is a complex one and clearly remains a major source of frustration and concern for local residents and businesses.

“We are determined to find a solution to the issues affecting this historic street, where important heritage assets have been allowed to fall into a serious state of disrepair.

“It should be stressed that, at the current moment in time, the at-risk buildings are not owned by the council. We are, however, acutely aware of the need to protect the 18th and 19th-century fabric of Lower Kirkgate.

“It is against this backdrop that we are continuing to pursue the separate but parallel courses of action outlined in the report to next week’s executive board meeting.”