Key Points
- Hollybush Children’s Centre, located on Broad Lane in Bramley, West Leeds, has been put up for sale by Leeds City Council with a guide price of at least £200,000.
- The property is scheduled for auction on 25 February 2026 via Pugh Auctions (also listed under Mark Jenkinson in some portals).
- It forms part of six unused children’s centres formally de-registered following a major review of early years provision by Leeds City Council.
- The site spans approximately 0.31 acres (0.13 hectares), featuring a part single-storey and part two-storey building with a basement, totalling around 561 sq m (6,036 sq ft).
- Adjacent to Hollybush Primary School in a residential area, it benefits from local bus routes, with nearest train stations 25-30 minutes’ walk away; sold freehold.
- The review proposes closing 18 operational centres while retaining 31, aligning with seven family hubs, amid falling birth rates and to save up to £2.45 million.
- Services ceased at the site previously; the building is suitable for redevelopment.
- Council faces financial pressures, including a projected £30 million overspend and need for over £100 million in savings this financial year.
Bramley, Leeds (The Leeds Times) 27 January 2026 – A former children’s centre in Bramley could fetch at least £200,000 after being listed for auction by Leeds City Council, as part of a broader restructuring of early years services across the city.
- Key Points
- What is Hollybush Children’s Centre?
- Why is the Centre Being Sold?
- What Does the Property Offer Buyers?
- When and How Can Bids Be Placed?
- What Sparked the Wider Children’s Centres Review?
- Which Other Centres Are Affected?
- What Opposition Did the Plan Face?
- How Does This Fit Council Finances?
- What Happens to Services Post-Sale?
- What is the Local Context in Bramley?
- Implications for Families and Redevelopment?
What is Hollybush Children’s Centre?
Hollybush Children’s Centre on Broad Lane in Bramley, LS13 2JJ, operated as a hub for family support services before operations ceased.
The site, next to Hollybush Primary School, includes garden areas on one side and hard-standing parking on the other, making it attractive for potential redevelopment in a residential neighbourhood.
As described on the auction listing by Pugh Auctions,
“It lies within a residential area that is well served by local bus routes,”
with train stations within walking distance.
Why is the Centre Being Sold?
Leeds City Council de-registered Hollybush alongside five other non-operational centres as part of a comprehensive review of children’s centres.
The review, detailed in council reports, responded to falling birth rates and underutilisation of sites, proposing to shift services to more sustainable locations like libraries, community centres, and schools.
As reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service in BBC News, the council plans to retain 31 centres – more than any other core city in England – while introducing enhanced digital services.
What Does the Property Offer Buyers?
The building comprises a part single-storey and part two-storey structure with a basement, offering 561 sq m of internal space.
Pugh Auctions highlights its freehold status and development potential, noting the site’s 0.31-acre plot in a well-connected area adjacent to the primary school.
Interested parties must verify details directly with Leeds City Council, the planning authority, as per auction disclaimers.
When and How Can Bids Be Placed?
The traditional auction is set for 25 February 2026, with a guide price of £200,000 plus.
Listings appear under Pugh & Company Limited and Mark Jenkinson (part of Eddisons), both reputable auctioneers specialising in such properties.
Bidders should note the property’s mixed-use classification and arrange viewings through the auction house.
What Sparked the Wider Children’s Centres Review?
In October 2025, senior councillors considered a “major refresh” of the network, assessing local needs, building suitability, and sustainability.
Councillor Helen Hayden, Leeds City Council’s executive member for children and families, stated:
“Children’s centres in Leeds play a vital role in supporting families and with 31 proposed to remain, the city will continue to retain more centres than any other core city.”
The plan, approved despite opposition, includes clustering centres with family hubs and a new funding formula for high-need areas.
Which Other Centres Are Affected?
The review proposes closing 18 operational centres and de-registering six unused ones, including Hollybush, amid national trends of declining birth numbers.
Council documents emphasise positive consultation feedback on relocating services to alternative community spaces.
No specific list of the other five de-registered sites is detailed in available reports, but the focus remains on cost-effective, accessible provision.
What Opposition Did the Plan Face?
Opposition came swiftly, with Conservative leader Alan Lamb criticising the evidence base, stating:
“The approach you are taking is misguided, and the evidence base is flawed,”
during BBC-reported debates.
Mark Dobson of Garforth and Swillington Independents led a “call-in” challenge, questioning savings and consultation, remarking: “All would ask to consider where are actual savings?” and
“I also believe we are underestimating the use of the centres.”
The children and families scrutiny board rejected the call-in on 4 November 2025, allowing implementation to proceed.
How Does This Fit Council Finances?
Leeds City Council grapples with severe budgetary pressures, projecting a nearly £30 million overspend and requiring over £100 million in savings this financial year.
The centres shake-up aims to deliver up to £2.45 million in efficiencies through the redesigned model combining face-to-face and digital support.
As South Leeds Life reported, opposition councillors highlighted unclear aims and outcomes in their formal challenge to the executive board’s 15 October 2025 decision.
What Happens to Services Post-Sale?
Relocated services will operate from 31 retained centres grouped into seven clusters aligned with family hubs, ensuring “more consistent, joined-up support,” per council statements.
Councillor Helen Hayden assured:
“Our children’s centre offer is of great importance to families throughout Leeds. The consultation process was thorough, comprehensive, and impartial.”
Enhanced online offerings, such as recorded workshops and booking systems, will boost accessibility.
What is the Local Context in Bramley?
Bramley, in west Leeds, has seen related council disposals, such as the former Hollybush Annexe – a two-storey building empty since 2022 and no longer operationally useful – set for sale, as covered by West Leeds Dispatch reporter John Baron.
Local concerns, like a 5G mast objection near Hollybush Primary at Outgang Lane/Broad Lane junction, reflect community vigilance, per Bramley and Stanningley News.
The area remains residential-focused, with good transport links supporting the site’s appeal.
Implications for Families and Redevelopment?
Families will access support via alternative venues, with the council prioritising high-need areas through new funding.
For buyers, the site’s proximity to a school and redevelopment potential could suit residential conversions or community uses, subject to Leeds LPA approval.
As Don Mort, local democracy reporter for West Leeds Dispatch, noted in the initial story:
“It was one of six unused centres de-registered by Leeds City Council as part of a review of early years provision. Pugh Auctions… said the building could be redeveloped.”
This auction underscores Leeds City Council’s efforts to streamline services amid fiscal challenges, balancing savings with continued family support. Neutral observers note the plan’s retention of more centres than peers, though opposition persists on consultation and impacts. Further updates may emerge as the 25 February auction approaches.
