Janine GriffithsA former children’s centre in Gipton is set to be sold privately after failing to attract a bid at auction.
Leeds City Council is progressing the sale of Gipton South Children’s Centre on Coldcotes Grove.
The building went to auction on January 27, 2026, but its reserve price was not met and no bids were received.
Offers were later made outside the auction, according to a council report.
The council has since agreed a private sale of the building.
The sale is progressing, although the council has not yet revealed details about the buyer or the agreed price.
Services previously provided from Gipton South Children’s Centre were moved to the nearby Dame Fanny Waterman Centre and Osmondthorpe Children’s Centre.
The move formed part of a wider shake-up of children’s centres, which included plans to close 18 other sites.
Gipton South was among 31 services the council decided to keep open.
However, the council said the building itself was too expensive to maintain.
The property was valued at more than £250,000, with hopes that it could be converted for residential use.
A council report said selling the building would remove ongoing operational costs associated with keeping it open.
It also said the development would contribute to sustainable growth in an area that has seen regeneration over several years.
The report referred to the introduction of shopping parks and residential developments in the area.
It said the former children’s centre would be costly to keep in a good state of repair.
A council spokesperson said the sale was progressing, but further details could not currently be provided.
The spokesperson said this was due to commercial confidentiality.
The council said it would provide an update on the sale in due course.
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.
