Premier gets nod for city hotel

Bruntwood has let the 45,000 sq ft Hepworth Point to agents acting for Whitbread, who have planning permission to transform the 10-storey building into a new hotel to open next spring.

The scheme will create around 50 jobs, said the developer.

The building has an interesting history – it was designed by the corrupt Yorkshire architect John Poulson and later became home to the Next retail group.

Craig Burrow, head of sales at Bruntwood, said: “Hepworth Point was initially designed as a hotel, but never used as one.

“We have been an active participant in the Leeds Arena master planning and we feel this is a great opportunity to return the building to its originally intended use.”

Hepworth Point overlooks the Leeds Arena development, which is under construction and scheduled to open in 2013.

Kevin Murray, of Whitbread, said: “We are excited about our new plans for bringing Premier Inn to Hepworth Point.

“It’s an outstanding development and an ideal location for a hotel, with great access to the university, hospital and new Leeds Arena.

“It’s good news for Premier Inn that we’re part of it and good news for our customers.”

Poulson, who died in 1993, was jailed for corruption in 1974 after being found guilty of bribing officials for public contracts.

His buildings included Leeds International Swimming Pool and Airedale General Hospital.