Builders gut Savile’s Leeds penthouse

The flat overlooking Roundhay Park in Leeds has sold for a total of £300,000, the second time since the star died in October 2011.

It first sold a year ago for £250,000, which was £75,000 under the original sale price.

Martin Newby, of Allerton Builders, north Leeds, has taken on the job of gutting the fifth- 
floor property, where the television star lived for more than 30 years.

He said: “I have been contracted to carry out major works on this property and work is starting very soon.

“We intend to rip out and remove the whole structure as it is in a very poor condition and given its previous owner, my clients and I are keen to remove and rebuild it completely.

“We are hoping to remove everything apart from the core which houses the services, lift and fire escape stairs.

“I am as keen as everyone else to get this apartment removed.

“It must have one of the best views in Leeds.

“The place will look completely different when it is finished.”

The description of the property on the website Rightmove says it is not “for the faint-hearted or DIY enthusiast” and needed a “complete development”. It adds: “Enjoying outstanding panoramic views over Roundhay Park and Waterloo Lake, all the way round to Soldiers Field. It requires complete redevelopment, yet offers scope and potential to create what could be a unique and enviable home.”

Savile’s former home first went on the market in September 2012, shortly before he was exposed as a serial sex attacker with a pattern of abuse stretching back over decades.

Victims are now suing his estate, having been given leave to do so following a court hearing earlier this month.