Leeds City Council considers compulsory Kirkgate buildings purchase

Leeds City Council could use compulsory purchase powers to buy crumbling city centre buildings after reaching a “stalemate” with the owner.

Transcript

00:00What next for Lower Kirkgate?

00:03Following the partial collapse of this building in April 2024,

00:07Leeds City Council are due to discuss if a compulsory purchase order will be made

00:12after reaching a stalemate with the owner.

00:15A council report says the authority has been in negotiations to buy 83-89 Kirkgate,

00:21but the owner disputes an independent valuation of the properties.

00:25The report says there are now compelling factors which could justify the use of a CPO,

00:31including public safety and the need to redevelop the street,

00:34with negotiations to continue in the meantime.

00:38Since the partial collapse, the road has been closed to traffic,

00:41and an urgent works notice was served on City Fusion Ltd in December last year,

00:45giving the owner 28 days to take action.

00:49The report said the council was made aware that prior to 18 December last year,

00:53ownership of five of the six subject properties had been moved to a different company with the same director.

01:00The deadline was delayed after new notices had to be served on City Fusion

01:03and the other company, Kirkgate Land Residential Ltd.

01:08The council allocated up to £700,000 for the urgent repairs,

01:12which they said they would seek to recover from the owner,

01:15but the report said the landowner has stated they will challenge the cost recovery for the works.

01:20Complaints were received from businesses on the street over the impact on trade.

01:25The report said a lack of business confidence in the area has been communicated to the council,

01:30with some businesses declaring the threat of closure.

01:34Leeds City Council have said the buildings pose no risk to public safety,

01:38and a building contractor could begin a 16-week repairs programme next month.

01:43Here we go.