Abandoned primary school left to rot for 8 years finally set for change

A dilapidated former Leeds primary school that has stood empty for eight years is set for change after the local authority confirmed plans to sell the site at auction. The vacant Bentley Primary School site, located on Clipston Street in Meanwood, has remained unused since November 2018. During that time, it has been kept under void management while the building continued to decline.

Leeds City Council officers described the site as surplus, stating “no operational reason has been identified to justify its continued retention.”

According to a council report, disposing of the site by auction is considered the most effective route. The sale is expected to generate a much-needed capital receipt for the authority and end the ongoing maintenance costs associated with a deteriorating, empty building. A reserve price has yet to be set.

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, reported the Yorkshire Evening Post.

Officers acknowledged a theoretical risk that the property might not attract a buyer at auction.

However, they dismissed concerns, noting: “This is unlikely given recent auction results which demonstrate strong interest in similar properties of this type and value.”

The report expressed the 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.