Leeds Lower Kirkgate repairs could start next month
The oldest street in Leeds has been closed since a building collapse last April
Repairs on a crumbling city centre street could start next month – 12 months after the dangerous collapse of a building.
Leeds City Council said it had been given the legal authority to carry structural works on properties on Lower Kirkgate.
The street, one of the oldest in Leeds, has been closed to traffic since one of the buildings partially caved in last April.
The council served urgent works notices (UWNs) on the owners, requiring repairs to be started by March 12.
After the deadline passed, the council can repair six unsafe buildings on the street and reclaim the cost, estimated at around £700,000.
A council spokesperson said: “We can confirm that the owners have indicated they do not intend to carry out the structural repairs that, as specified in the notices, are needed to make the buildings safe.”
Notice was first served last December on City Fusion Ltd, giving 28 days to take action.
The deadline had to be delayed after it emerged that ownership of five of the buildings had been transferred to another company, Kirkgate Land Residential Ltd.
It meant revised notices had to be served on the two firms.
The council said a building contractor and structural engineer were now involved in drawing up repair plans.
The spokesperson said: “It is hoped there will be a start on site as soon as next month, with updates on expected timescales to be provided in due course.
“As previously confirmed, the council intends – as is its legal right under the terms of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 – to seek recovery of the cost of carrying out the work from the owners of the buildings.”
The council was required to wait for government permission to issue the legal notices.
The spokesperson added: “We recognise the situation on Lower Kirkgate has been a source of frustration and concern for local people and thank them for their continued patience and support.”
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