THE HMRC site in Shipley that was earmarked for closure by the Government several years ago is to be put on the market.

And it is expected the site will be sold for a “large scale redevelopment for residential purposes.”

In November 2015, HMRC announced its offices in Bradford and Shipley would close in 2020, with staff being moved to a new hub in Leeds.

The plans caused huge controversy, as it would lead to hundreds of jobs moving out of the area.

The closure would be particularly hard felt in Shipley, as the HMRC office was one of the town's biggest employers.

Shipley MP Philip Davies and Bradford Council were among those who attempted to get HMRC to reverse the decision.

Although Government has since announced staff will remain at the Centenary Court site in Bradford until 2027, efforts to force a U turn on the Shipley plans failed, and the site will be fully closed this month.

The shake up was part of Government plans to close dozens of HMRC offices around the country and replace them with "regional hubs."

Now the sizeable 11.83 acre site between the River Aire and the Leeds Liverpool Canal, is being marketed by Savills.

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The company said: “While no guide price is being disclosed, a sale is being targeted during this calendar year with a residential future considered most likely, subject to the necessary consent.

"Other potential uses mooted, and also subject to the relevant consents, include redevelopment to care and commercial schemes.”

Matthew Jones, director in Savills’ Leeds-based development team, who is handling the sale, said: “The availability of this landmark site presents a fascinating opportunity for a large scale redevelopment in a stunning location next to Saltaire and between River Aire and Leeds Liverpool Canal.

"The site itself is in a fantastic position and, given its status, offers a truly unique opportunity for a developer to put their stamp on the future landscape of the town. With excellent connectivity to surrounding areas and its location we are anticipating a substantial level of interest in this site.”

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Viewing of the site is strictly by appointment and can be arranged via Savills.

After it was announced that the site was on the market, Mr Davies said: "Clearly I would have preferred HMRC to continue to use the premises in Shipley as an office, but given that they are not, it is crucial that it does not become a derelict building which falls into disrepute.

 

“I therefore hope that it will be purchased and brought into use at the earliest possible opportunity.”

The site is mentioned in Bradford Council's draft Local Plan, which - when approved - would set out where housing and businesses are built between now and 2038.

It says the HMRC site is "a sustainably located brownfield site, which would deliver an estimated 266 dwellings."