In a dramatic development, just 24 hours before the historic Temple Works in Holbeck was due to be auctioned, property developer CEG has bought the property.
The Grade 1 listed flax spinning mill designed in the style of an Egyptian temple was to go under the hammer today (7 December 2017) and could have sold for as little as £1. It is estimated that £20 million needs to be spent on the building just to make it structurally sound, but the worry was that an unscrupulous buyer might buy it and let it deteriorate further.
Ahead of the auction Leeds City Council issued a planning position statement setting out what they would and would not support in terms of future use. Many saw this as a shot across the bows of ‘cowboy’ developers.
CEG are the developers behind a large scale mixed use scheme on land near Water Lane and Globe Road in Holbeck. We reported recently on their planning application.
Leeds Civic Trust have commented favourably about the sale saying on Twitter:
“Purchase of Temple Works, Leeds. Our view in a nutshell. Good news. @CEGSouthbank a serious developer with resources who have shown long term commitment to Leeds. Any urgent works should be done, then dialogue needed about sustainable future use.”
Cllr Judith Blake, leader of Leeds City Council said:
“It’s a very positive step that new owners have been secured for the historic Grade One Listed Temple Works. We will look to work collaboratively with CEG to bring this important part of Leeds’ heritage back in to use and secure its long-term future.”
