Known as Permanent House, this was designed by Sir Reginald Blomfield and built in 1931. It originally consisted of nine shops and 89 offices used by the Leeds Electricity Department, Inland Revenue, and Cadbury's. It would eventually become the home to Leeds Building Society's head office, before the banking group left for new premises in Sovereign Street back in 2021. The site is now expected to become a new mathematics school, able to take on 240 learners, all aged between 16 and 19, and could eventually hold 400 students. (Pic: Jonathan Gawthorpe)Known as Permanent House, this was designed by Sir Reginald Blomfield and built in 1931. It originally consisted of nine shops and 89 offices used by the Leeds Electricity Department, Inland Revenue, and Cadbury's. It would eventually become the home to Leeds Building Society's head office, before the banking group left for new premises in Sovereign Street back in 2021. The site is now expected to become a new mathematics school, able to take on 240 learners, all aged between 16 and 19, and could eventually hold 400 students. (Pic: Jonathan Gawthorpe)
Known as Permanent House, this was designed by Sir Reginald Blomfield and built in 1931. It originally consisted of nine shops and 89 offices used by the Leeds Electricity Department, Inland Revenue, and Cadbury's. It would eventually become the home to Leeds Building Society's head office, before the banking group left for new premises in Sovereign Street back in 2021. The site is now expected to become a new mathematics school, able to take on 240 learners, all aged between 16 and 19, and could eventually hold 400 students. (Pic: Jonathan Gawthorpe)

Leeds city centre: 10 empty buildings in The Headrow and what we know about their futures

Richard Beecham
By Richard Beecham
Published 19th Nov 2022, 16:30 BST
The Headrow has long been one of the best known streets in the city centre but a number of its most prominent buildings are currently standing empty, along with a number of former shops and restaurants.

After consulting Leeds City Council’s planning portal, and numerous property websites, we built up a good idea of what’s likely to happen to some of the iconic street’s former business premises.

While some seem to have bright futures to look forward to, others have a less than certain fate.

We take a look at what was once on the sites, and what is expected to take their place in the coming months and years.

We take a look at what was once on the sites, and what is expected to take their place in the coming months and years.

The prime retail site in the Core shopping centre was a branch of women's fashion retailer New Look until 2019. It is listed by property agent Barker Proudlove. Its listing reads: "New leasing opportunities for retail and leisure occupiers within the first floor area of The Core with a dedicated entrance from the Headrow. Units range from 2,000–20,000 sq ft.". (Pic Jonathan Gawthorpe)

7. Former New Look

The prime retail site in the Core shopping centre was a branch of women's fashion retailer New Look until 2019. It is listed by property agent Barker Proudlove. Its listing reads: "New leasing opportunities for retail and leisure occupiers within the first floor area of The Core with a dedicated entrance from the Headrow. Units range from 2,000–20,000 sq ft.". (Pic Jonathan Gawthorpe) Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe

Photo Sales
The barber's shut in 2022, having opened in 2015. It was previously home to Horizon Recruitment. Although the sign adorning its wall claims to be up for auction by Pugh's, it is not listed on the auctioneer's website. (Pic: Jonathan Gawthorpe)

8. Former Executive hairstylists

The barber's shut in 2022, having opened in 2015. It was previously home to Horizon Recruitment. Although the sign adorning its wall claims to be up for auction by Pugh's, it is not listed on the auctioneer's website. (Pic: Jonathan Gawthorpe) Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe

Photo Sales
The site had previously been occupied by sandwich retailer Subway, which closed in 2017. It has since had brief revivals as a fast food joint, with Eat 4 Less and Meal Deal appearing on the site in 2019, but it has been empty since at least 2021. It is currently available to let by Sorkin Brown, who don't list the premises on their website. (Pic Jonathan Gawthorpe)

9. Former Subway sandwich shop

The site had previously been occupied by sandwich retailer Subway, which closed in 2017. It has since had brief revivals as a fast food joint, with Eat 4 Less and Meal Deal appearing on the site in 2019, but it has been empty since at least 2021. It is currently available to let by Sorkin Brown, who don't list the premises on their website. (Pic Jonathan Gawthorpe) Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe

Photo Sales
It is not clear when Design School Uniform and Workwear closed, but it appears to have been some time between 2020 and 2021. In recent years, the site has also played host to a wig and hair extensions shop, and what appeared to be a squat. There appear to be no planning applications in place for the site. (Pic: Jonathan Gawthorpe)

10. Former school uniform shop

It is not clear when Design School Uniform and Workwear closed, but it appears to have been some time between 2020 and 2021. In recent years, the site has also played host to a wig and hair extensions shop, and what appeared to be a squat. There appear to be no planning applications in place for the site. (Pic: Jonathan Gawthorpe) Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe

Photo Sales
Previous
2 / 2
Next Page
Related topics:LeedsLeeds City Council