Fears of new 'hole in ground' as developer pulls out of town centre project

Yahoo

13 hours ago

THERE are fears that a town centre site could become a new Broadway-style 'hole in the ground' after the developer behind a major regeneration scheme announced it was pulling out.
McCarthy Stone was due to build a multi-million pound, 47 apartment development on the former Ian Clough Hall site in Baildon.
The hall, off Hallcliffe, has already been demolished, but work on the building has not started despite a planning application being approved in October.
But it has now been revealed that the retirement home giants have 'made the decision not to proceed with the Baildon site.'
They have not provided any detail as to how they came to that decision.
It will mean that owners Bradford Council will have to put the site back on the market.
Local Conservative Councillors contacted the Telegraph & Argus after they heard about McCarthy Stone withdrawing from the Baildon scheme.
They now fear that site could remain empty, similar to the stalled Westfield shopping centre development that plagued Bradford city centre for years.
Ian Clough Hall, which included Baildon Library, was demolished in 2023 – with Bradford Council selling the site for development.
When the work was announced, the Council revealed plans to open a new library in the neighbouring Baildon Club building, which the local authority had purchased.
They said the changes were due to the Ian Clough Hall building reaching the end of its operational life. The authority said it aimed to sell the land to a developer that could provide a 'high quality design' for housing that would boost the regeneration of the town.
The library project has already stalled – the Baildon Club development was paused due to the Council's perilous financial position, and the library currently operates in a temporary shop unit in the town.
When asked about the situation, a Bradford Council spokesperson said: 'We can confirm that McCarthy Stone have withdrawn from the site and that we will be looking to put it back on the market.'
The Ian Clough Hall site (Image: T&A)
A spokesperson from McCarthy Stone said: 'Regrettably, we have had to make the decision not to proceed with the Baildon site but continue to explore options to bring our retirement living offering to the area in the future.
'Bradford Council has confirmed they will be looking to re-market the site.
'We do, however, have properties available at our neighbouring development, Jennings Grange in Idle.'
Local Councillors have a mixed response to the news.
Although the retirement flats plans would have seen a huge amount of money invested in the town, the application had proved controversial.
District and town councillors had concerns over the loss of a section of car park, and that it could have knock on effects on other businesses and on street parking spaces.
After hearing that McCarthy Stone had withdrawn from the site, Councillor Debbie Davies (Cons, Baildon) said: 'This news came as a surprise to ward councillors as the plans had been approved but we now have the top layer of the car park for longer which is definitely a good thing as it is very well used.
Councillor Debbie Davies (Image: T&A)
'We need to ensure any development on this site is in keeping with the village and considers the needs of residents.
'We are very disappointed that the new library project (that the sale of the land was meant to fund) is on hold with the former Baildon Club standing empty in a prominent position in Baildon and deteriorating by the day whereas city centre projects seem to be able to go millions of pounds over budget with nobody batting an eyelid.
'We also now have our own 'hole in the ground' as Bradford did for many years and rather than unsightly fencing around the site we would like to see some basic landscaping done, even if it is just grassed over at minimal cost as it is nearly two years since the Ian Clough Hall was demolished and potentially could remain that way for a lot longer.'
A website advertising the planned development remains online. It says: 'This Retirement Living community is in an enviable position in the heart of the beautiful town of Baildon, with a range of local shops on the doorstep including a deli, pubs, cafes, bakery and a convenience store.'
It boasts that the property will provide 'Stress-free independent living in attractive low maintenance retirement apartments for the over 60s' and have a 'stunning roof terrace with seating for socialising and relaxing in warmer weather.'