No decision yet on collapsed buildings work

A building on Lower Kirkgate partially collapsed, with the road remaining closed to traffic

One of Leeds' oldest streets remains closed to traffic as the council waits for a decision on whether it can carry out urgent repairs on derelict buildings.

In August, Leeds City Council applied to the government for permission to issue the owner of several buildings on Lower Kirkgate an urgent works notice, which would allow the authority to carry out structural work.

Four months on, the council was still waiting for a decision from the secretary of state for Culture, Media and Sport, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The government department said it had requested advice from Historic England and a decision would be shared "in due course".

The move comes after a former shop on the street partially collapsed in April, leading to the road being closed to traffic for most of 2024.

Nearby businesses previously said they feared the safety risk posed by the condition of the buildings.

The council said it had attempted to work with the owner of the impacted buildings, City Fusion Ltd, for more than a decade but had been unable to agree a proposal to renovate 83-89 Kirkgate.

The authority wanted to serve the company with an urgent works notice, which would enable it to carry out emergency works and then recover the costs, estimated at £700,000, from the firm.

The front of the derelict building in central Leeds fell on 12 April

A Leeds City Council spokesperson said: “We recognise that the ongoing closure of the road and the dilapidated condition of some buildings on Lower Kirkgate is proving frustrating for local businesses and residents.

“As a council, we are working hard to find a solution to the issues in the area."

They continued: “Matters relating to historic buildings such as these clearly require careful consideration and the proper use of established procedures by all parties.”

The council previously said it was also seeking to acquire seven buildings on the street from City Fusion Ltd.

A feasibility study was being carried out into the redevelopment of the buildings.

The spokesperson added: "We thank businesses and residents for their patience and remain fully committed to driving forward the continued regeneration of a street that has already seen many hugely positive changes over the last decade.”

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