JohnA former driving test centre – Hillcrest House in Harehills – could be converted into housing
Leeds City Council has received plans for its redevelopment which would see it turned into 35 flats and studio apartments.
The five-storey building dates back to the 1960s and was occupied by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) and used as a test centre up until September.
A design report by CODA Architecture said: “The proposed development would represent a significant investment into the local area.
“The reuse of an existing building for new dwellings is a more sustainable approach to development than demolition and replacement.”
The report said the building, on the corner of Harehills Lane and Lupton Avenue, was close to public transport links and an Asda supermarket.
Support independent community journalism!
East Side Story covers the people, places and stories in Leeds that are too often overlooked. While national headlines chase conflict and clickbait, we focus on real communities and the issues shaping daily life in East Leeds.
Divisive content, AI noise and online rumours spread faster than ever. At the same time, many mainstream outlets are stretched and rarely spotlight the community organisations and local champions who deserve recognition.
East Side Story was created to change that. We answer only to our readers. We have no corporate owners or billionaire funders. Our journalists report freely, ask difficult questions and hold power to account.
Your support helps us keep this work going. Monthly contributions make the biggest impact because they allow us to invest in deeper reporting and fearless local journalism.
Supporters also receive exclusive updates, behind the scenes insights and other benefits as a thank you for keeping independent journalism alive.
