Firm moves into former pub after renovations

Now the former pub is enjoying a new lease of life as the headquarters for a fast-growing local business that relies on sober judgement.

The Leeds Corporate Banking Centre (CBC) of the Co-operative Bank has provided funding of more than £350,000 to Leeds-based Handley Gibson, a firm of chartered surveyors, auctioneers and property management specialists.

As a result of receiving this funding, the company can move into its first wholly-owned business premises.

The firm’s new offices are located on the site of The Skinner Arms, which is known locally as the Gluepot, on Sheepscar Street North, in Leeds. Handley Gibson, which has 16 staff, has moved to Sheepscar Street North from its old home in Oxford Place, Leeds.

The redevelopment of the site began in February 2011 and Handley Gibson’s staff have just moved in.

Extensive renovations were carried out to transform the former public house into office space. The original bar was removed, and new windows were fitted. New wiring and a gas central heating system were also installed.

A number of original features have been restored to their former glory.

Work has been carried out by conservation specialists to restore the pub’s light well and the original doors.

The porcelain gents’ toilets and the serving hatch have also been brought back into use. The hatch now serves as a practical rent counter.

Richard Eckles, corporate relationship manager at the Leeds CBC, said: “Handley Gibson is a long-established Leeds-business and has maintained profitable trade despite the difficult economic climate.

“This funding arrangement shows that even in today’s uncertain economic climate we’re still very much open for business.”