Support for campus plan at old printworks

Leeds Civic Trust members have said the refurbishment of the main buildings at the former Alf Cooke Printworks “is an imaginative solution to the conservation of this iconic building”.

The conversion of ‘sheds’ to vocational training spaces is an appropriate use and in line with the character of the area, according to the Trust.

Trust director Dr Kevin Grady has written to planners urging them to consider widening the pavement alongside the site because it is at present a “hostile environment for pedestrians” alongside three lanes of traffic.

He also believes a reduction in the number of lanes from three to two would benefit the development.

Dr Grady is also concerned about the lack of on-street parking around Hunslet.

He does not want to see any of the proposed green space being lost to car parking spaces in the future.

He added: “The development of an educational campus on Hunslet Road has the potential to help regenerate the area and, sitting alongside the Council’s proposals for a City Centre Park, could lead to the birth of a new community.

“To that end, it is unfortunate that the Tetley Brewery site may soon be granted temporary planning permission for car parking when alternative development schemes could be encouraged there.”

Trust members are also concerned about the future of the Thomas Danby education site. “It could be seen to be unfortunate if it were to be demolished,” said Dr Grady.

He has urged the council to push through the Printworks application as quickly as possible.

“There is a very tight timescale to deliver the scheme in time for receiving the first student intake in September 2012,”