Leeds discount store Harvard Mills announces closing date and sale after 15 years in Kirkstall

Harvard Mills is one of the few shops still occupied at the "once vibrant" Kirkstall District Centre in Kirkstall Lane.

It will shut its doors on April 11 following an "incredibly difficult year" for the business to make way for flats.

The store thanked its customers and the community for its support over the last 15 years as it continues its closing down offer.

Customers can grab £5 off every £20 spent before the store closes its doors for the last time.

Earlier this year developers Artisan Leeds Kirkstall Ltd were granted permission to build 183 flats and 80 ‘townhouses’ in the area, which will be named Kirkstall Place.

Announcing the closing date on Facebook on Monday, Harvard Mills said: "We are very sorry to let you know that after almost 15 years of trading in Kirkstall, Harvard Mills will finally be closing its doors on Sunday April 11.

"We will remain open until then, so please take the opportunity to come in and shop for your essentials with us while you still can.

"We are continuing our closing down offer of £5 off every £20 spent, which now applies across every single item in the store. So you’ll get even more amazing value from us than usual."

The traditional store sold a wide variety of goods, from curtains, bedding and rugs to furniture, kitchenware, clothing, toys, and DIY supplies.

Planning documents said that the centre at Kirkstall was “once vibrant”, but now many of the shops have closed.

The store added in its statement: "This has been an incredibly difficult year and we want to thank our wonderful staff for their loyalty and commitment.

"We also want to thank all of our amazing customers and local community for all your support for our business throughout – we are so grateful for your continued custom and we will really miss you all.

"We really hope to see you again in the store before we close, and thank you all once again for all of your support – it really has meant the world to us."

Customers expressed their disappointment on Facebook as they praised staff for their service over the years.

One customer said: "Such a terrible blow for Kirkstall and other areas. Lawrence and his lovely staff have always been great and there are always some fantastic bargains."

Another added: "Will miss this shop so much. Could get everything you need, great staff."

Before the redevelopment plan was approved by councillors, council officers said: “This scheme is considered a significant regeneration opportunity that would contribute positively to the regeneration of a vacant brownfield site.

"It is acknowledged the proposals create a predominately residential use of the site which is allocated for a larger commercial/office use.

"However, the application proposal will create a lower impact in relation to vehicle trips and thus highways movements and this should be given material weight.

“In this instance, conflicts have been identified with policies relating to the provision of on-site green space and affordable housing which do carry weight.

"However, the benefits of ensuring redevelopment of a largely derelict, vacant brownfield site and providing housing to contribute to the Council’s ongoing housing supply also attract weight.

“Given the identified viability issues and specific site constraints it is considered, on balance, the benefits of the proposal weigh against identified conflicts and as such the application is recommended for approval.”

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