A sound move for retailer

The former Leeds Chest Clinic, on New Briggate, was sold for 555,000 by Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.

The clinic was founded at the height of the Industrial Revolution to treat patients suffering respiratory illness as a result of poor working conditions.

The Grade II listed building, which was built in 1865, stopped being used as a chest clinic two years ago.

Richer Sounds, which was founded in 1979 and has 50 outlets throughout the UK, including York and Sheffield, has been based on two floors of a shop in Vicar Lane, Leeds, and will move into the 9,350 sq ft building this spring.

Richard Harris, a partner in King Sturge's industrial agency and development team, which sold the building, said: "We started marketing this property in January 2009 and were pleased to secure eight strong bids while the UK was still in the depths of recession, which shows the market is still keen for distinctive buildings with history and character."

Richer Sounds property director, Matt Oxer, added: "This property is in a better, more visible, location than our current outlet, which will allow us to trade from one larger floor "

The former clinic building is designated of special architectural interest.