A Leeds councillor is leading calls for the architecture of a valuable building to be preserved.
Garforth and Swillington Labour councillor Mark Dobson fears the historic facade of the former One Stop Centre in the centre of Garforth could be lost if the building is redesigned or even demolished by a private developer.
The former One-Stop Shop on Main Street was vacated by Leeds Council staff several months ago following the opening of the new building and library on the other side of the road. The council has since decided that they no further use for the old building and have put it up for sale.
However, local councillor Mark Dobson – an admirer of the architecture of the old building - is now warning against the building being bought by a private developer and redesigned or even demolished.
He is calling on the council to ensure that land can only be purchased with the pre-requisite that the original architecture on the upper part of the building is retained.
Dobson said:
"The old One-Stop Shop is one of the finest examples of the original architectural roots of the area and I am very conscious about any potential sale of this building could result in Garforth Main Street losing a large part of its unique character.
"Although the 1970's look of the ground floor is unattractive, the upper floor with its fantastic decorative stonework is well worth retaining. I am therefore proposing that the council include a proviso to keep these features as part of any sale agreement.
"Unfortunately, no part of the building is listed so there is no legal requirement for the original features to be retained. However, conditions could be added to the sale agreement with a similar effect."
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