Former Leeds town hall sold for £575k despite thousands signing petition against it
The new owners have spoken out
A historic former town hall has been sold for £575,000 after being put on the market by the city council.
Manchester-based property developer AGHA Group has bought the Pudsey Town Hall building, Leeds City Council confirmed.
Council bosses decided to go ahead with the sale in January after more than 1,000 people signed a petition against the move last year.
Pudsey Conservative councillor Simon Seary said: “It is sad to see Pudsey Town Hall sold, but what matters now is what happens next.
“I hope the new owner will look after the building, respect its history and talk to local people about their plans.”
Purchase details showed the deal was worth £598,000 in total after sales fees were taken into account.
The four-storey hall, built around 1890 on Robin Lane, went up up for sale after council bosses said it was costing too much to maintain.
Coun Seary said he hoped historic features of the building would be retained.
He said: “It would be particularly nice to see the historic council chamber kept as part of those plans.
“The building has stood empty for far too long, and we all want to see it cared for and put back to good use.”
AGHA Group, which sells and rents out commercial and residential properties, said it could not comment on the purchase price.
A company spokesperson said: “We are, however, very pleased to have acquired the building and are excited about the opportunity to carefully consider its future and how it can once again play a positive role within the local community.
“We fully appreciate the town hall’s importance and the strong connection that local residents have with the building and its heritage.
“As we develop our plans, we will be mindful of that history and the sentiments of the local community.”
The Victorian building has not been open to the public since 2016 and was partially used by Pudsey and District Civic Society.
Attempts were made by local groups to have it listed as an asset of community value (ACV), and have it classed as a protected site by Historic England.
A Leeds City Council spokesperson said: “The council can confirm that the sale of Pudsey Town Hall has been completed to AGHA Group for £575,000.
“As yet, we have no indication of AGHA Group’s plans for the building following the sale.”