Yorkshire Post and Evening Post clock tower: Developer issues statement as Big Ben rust removal firm offers help
Developers in charge of the former Yorkshire Post and Yorkshire Evening Post clock tower which has fallen into disrepair say they are commissioning work to ensure its "safe operation and management".
The two newspapers jointly launched a campaign this week to clean up the clock tower, which is on a site which has been awaiting a £400m redevelopment project.
The newspapers no longer have any control over the tower or the Wellington Street plot following its sale after they moved to new offices in 2012 but have jointly called for urgent improvements to be made for the good of Leeds.
Before winning planning permission in 2023 for three tower blocks, developer Urbanite, which is backed by private equity firm Prescient, had indicated the top of the structure would be “removed and stored/refurbished” if their application was approved.
But the clock tower head remains in place and has substantially deteriorated with a combination of lichen, dirt, rust, a missing corner panel and fallen-off letters visible.
The campaign has been backed by local MP Alex Sobel as well as Leeds City Council leader James Lewis.
Developers have now issued a brief statement about the situation.
Doug Friend, director of Prescient Capital, said: "Our joint venture, Urbanite, recently took full control of the former YP estate, acquiring the freehold. We’re currently commissioning further surveys/works to ensure the safe operation and management of the tower.”
He is yet to respond to requests for further clarification as to whether this means the structure will be cleaned up.
It comes as a rust removal company called Jenolite, whose products have been used on iconic buildings including Big Ben and the Eiffel Tower, offered to provide supplies for any potential restoration project.
Neil Wildon, owner of Jenolite, said: “Restoring iconic landmarks is in Jenolite’s DNA, from Big Ben to the Eiffel Tower.
"The Yorkshire Post's clock tower deserves the same treatment. If needed, we're on hand to donate our rust remover, sealants and paints to save one of city’s most loved memories for the people of Leeds."