Developer Rushbond has started a £15m project to breathe new life into a former Victorian print works.

The grade II listed former Alf Cooke Printworks, in Leeds, is set to become a new campus for Leeds City College.

GB Buildings Solutions ha

s been awarded the contract to refurbish the distinctive Victorian building.

Mike Hartley, development director at Rushbond, said: “We’re exciting by the re-use of these historic buildings by Leeds City College.

“This initiative is a fine example of the private and public sector working together to regenerate this part of Leeds and a marvellous re-use of an iconic building which has been empty for several years.

“We have had excellent help and commitment from Leeds City Council planning department in securing the necessary granting of change of use to accord with the urgent time frame of The Leeds City College.”

The print works was bought by Rushbond after its closure in 2005 with Leeds City College due to open its new site early next year.

Coun Richard Lewis, Leeds City Council’s executive member for city development, said: “This sympathetic development shows how effectively

the council can work with private developers. By working together we have been able to preserve a key part of the city’s industrial heritage and refurbish it to modern standards in a way which will benefit Leeds City College and the city as a whole for years to come.

“It is also good to welcome the first developer contribution to the new city park. These developments represent a vital part of the wider process of regeneration for the south of the city.”

Published with permission of TheBusinessDesk.com