Leeds City Council eyes up compulsory purchase of crumbling Lower Kirkgate buildings
One of the buildings partially collapsed into the road last year
The council could use compulsory purchase powers to buy crumbling city centre buildings after reaching a “stalemate” with the owner.
Leeds City Council is considering the move following the partial collapse of a building on Lower Kirkgate in April last year.
The road – one of the oldest in Leeds – has since been closed to traffic, with hoardings erected around the bottom of the street.
Urgent repairs are planned after legal notices were served, allowing the council to carry out work on the privately-owned buildings.
A council report said the authority had also been in negotiations to buy 83 to 88-89 Kirkgate.
But the owner disputed an independent valuation of the properties.
The report said: “This is the preferred option, to acquire the properties, but there is a stalemate as the current landowner has not accepted the council’s offer.”
There were now “compelling factors” which could justify the use of a CPO, including public safety and the need to redevelop the street.
Councillors will be asked to agree to a case for a CPO being drawn up at an executive board meeting on Wednesday (July 16).
Negotiations to secure a private sale would continue in the meantime, the report said.
An urgent works notice was served on City Fusion Ltd in December last year, giving the owner 28 days to take action.
The report said: “The council was made aware that, prior to December 18, 2024, ownership of five of the six subject properties had been moved to a different company with the same director.”
The deadline was delayed after new notices had to be served on City Fusion and the other company, Kirkgate Land Residential Ltd.
The council allocated up to £700,000 for the urgent repairs, which it would seek to recover from the owner.
But the report said: “The landowner has also stated they will challenge the cost recovery for the works.”
Complaints were received from business on the street over the impact on trade from the state of nearby buildings.
The report said: “A lack of business confidence in the area has clearly been communicated to the council, with some businesses declaring the threat of closure.”
Leeds City Council said the buildings posed no risk to public safety and a building contractor could begin a 16-week repairs programme next month.