Two of Bradford's finest historic buildings are for sale as university sells its 14 acre campus

The secluded 14-acre Heaton Mount and Emm Lane campus owned by the University of Bradford has been described as “an exquisite example of the Italian architectural style”

and “an oasis of calm in one of the city’s most sought-after areas”. So there looks set to be much excitement over the university’s decision to sell the land and buildings, some of which are testament to the wealth and bravado that emerged during Bradford’s illustrious reign as the world’s wool capital.

The campus, which has nine buildings, three of which are Grade II listed, is freehold and is for sale via informal tender with Avison Young’s Leeds office. It includes the Emm Lane Building and Heaton Mount.

Magnificent Emm Lane was created between 1874 and 1877 as a theological college to educate ministers for the Congregational Church. Heaton Mount, a remarkable Italianate villa, was built for wool merchant Robert Kell in 1886.

The villa’s frontage is 90ft wide, not counting the large conservatory. The portico is supported by two fluted Corinthian columns and the polished oak door leads to a magnificent central hall, one of the largest in the district, measuring 46ft by 22ft.

Over the years. Heaton Mount has been a home and a school and in 1955 there was a legal battle to stop Shell Mex and BP turning the grounds into a filling station. It was purchased by the university in 1967 to form the headquarters of its expanding business school and now includes an extension housing a 42-bedroom hotel with professional kitchen, meeting facilities and lecture halls. It also has a civil wedding licence.

Dai Powell of Avison Young says there is potential for a variety of uses, subject to necessary consents.

The other buildings on site include the 44,600sq ft Sir Titus Salt Building, which has a lecture theatre and restaurant, while Vernon Barnby Hall has 25 bedrooms. The site also has 150 parking spaces.

The university is selling after relocating the business school and other facilities into more modern buildings. Bids for parts of the property may be considered but the university would prefer to sell in a single transaction. Informal tenders are invited by 1pm on Friday, January 29, 2021. Contact: Avison Young Leeds office, tel: 0113 280 8025.

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