Shulmans has played a pivotal role in the creation of an education hub in South Leeds that could have a far-reaching effect on the city.
Shulmans’ Andrew Latchmore, a commercial property expert, has been involved in the creation of three of four new educational establishments in the South Leeds area. He has advised on the sale of two sites for new build projects and on one part of a listed building.
Lathmore’s work has helped with the creation of the new Leeds College of Building campus on Black Bull Street; the Ruth Gorse Academy Free School on an adjacent site, and the University Technical College (UTC), on Hunslet Road. The fourth project was Leeds City College’s Printworks Campus on Hunslet Road, on the site of the former Alf Cooke Printworks.
The listed building project involved the sale of 1.1 acres of land forming part of the Braime Pressing factory to the Leeds Advanced Manufacturing UTC. Braime was selling part of a listed building that had been built in 1910.
Latchmore, who is also the Leeds Chamber Property Forum chair, said that the new developments would help Leeds in its aim to become a leading UK city.
“Traditionally, money in this city tended to go north of the river, and the south was, shall we say, less well off,” he said
“But it is my belief that these developments could change the face of the city forever. Historically it’s been difficult to get residential development in any city centre due to the lack of facilities needed by families, but these educational establishments will help address that issue, having a beneficial effect on both the city’s economy and quality of life of the people within it.”
He added that the educational hub would stimulate economic activity, and attract young families looking to live near the Ruth Gorse Academy Free School.
“It is significant that there is plenty of space for building houses in the south bank area – more than 10 acres of vacant land in fact, enough to create the equivalent of New Town, Edinburgh. The creation of a park could also be considered.
“The introduction of quality residential accommodation that is, crucially, fit for families, could go hand-in-hand with this new educational hub; it could pave the way for family housing in the city centre. There’s a real chance here for Leeds to re-invent itself.”
