By Don Mort, local democracy reporter
A former council children’s centre has sold for more than £650,000 after being put up for auction.
The vacant South Pudsey Community Centre and its surrounding land fetched almost double its guide price.
Pugh Auctions said the building and its surrounding land could be redeveloped after selling for £652,00.
The sales company said on its website: “The site may offer an opportunity for redevelopment or change of use, subject to any necessary consents.”
Bids were invited for the single-storey site off Lumby Lane, with a guide price of £350,000-plus.
Leeds City Council decided to put it up for sale after a children and families team vacated to work remotely in 2020.
A council report said the sale would raise cash and avoid the future costs of looking after the building.
It said: “The disposal of the property will result in a capital receipt for the council as well as absolving the council of any retention and maintenance costs.”
The asking price reflected the expected costs of refurbishment of the building.
There was a risk a buyer would not come forward at auction, the report said.
It added: “However, this is unlikely given recent auction results which demonstrate strong interest in similar properties of this type and value.”