Bentley Primary School in Meanwood, Leeds, which has been vacant since November 2018, is set to be sold at auction after Leeds City Council confirmed its intention to dispose of the site. The property on Clipston Street has been under void management, with the building deteriorating over the years.
Council officers have declared the site surplus, stating that "no operational reason has been identified to justify its continued retention." The sale is expected to generate a capital receipt for the authority and end ongoing maintenance costs associated with the empty building. A reserve price has yet to be set.
Statutory restriction expiring
For several years, the site was protected by government legislation that prohibited its sale without the Secretary of State for Education's written consent. That statutory restriction is due to expire in November 2026, clearing the way for the local authority to proceed with the planned disposal.
Officers acknowledged a theoretical risk that the property might not attract a buyer at auction, but they dismissed concerns, noting: "This is unlikely given recent auction results which demonstrate strong interest in similar properties of this type and value."
Future redevelopment hopes
The report expressed hope that a successful sale would lead to the building's refurbishment and redevelopment into productive use. While no guarantees can be given, officers anticipate that a new owner will invest in the site, bringing it back into active use and contributing to the local economy.
