Children’s service provider Polaris has swooped to purchase the iconic Grade II listed Moorfield House building in Headingley, to transform it into a special educational needs school.
The unique opportunity to acquire approximately 20,000 sq. ft on a 1.5-acre site will allow Polaris to cater for up to 80 students, in addition to the eight schools already up and running across the UK.
Strategic property advisers, Fox Lloyd Jones handled the sale of Moorfield House which comprises an attractive Grade II listed building across four floors, with the property retaining several derisible period features including high ceilings, stone archways and a grand staircase. A single storey extension, known as the Brahm Building, provides further, ready-to-go accommodation.
The property offers a rich history, originally built around 1855 before becoming a Missionary College in 1936. Throughout the war years it is thought to have been used as a wartime administration office by the Royal Air Force, then as regional offices for the Automobile Association (AA). In recent years the building was occupied by marketing agency Brass (formerly Brahm) and acquired by Illuminating Investments in early 2020, before being purchased by Polaris.
Situated in a peaceful setting just off Otley Road (A660), the area is perfectly positioned for a school environment with large open spaces and a number of amenities in touching distance.
Polaris supports children and young people with additional needs, by helping provide them with the best tailored, diverse and appropriate education in a safe and supportive environment.
Harry Finney, associate director for Fox Lloyd Jones, commented: “We’re really pleased to have successfully completed the sale of both Moorfield House and the Brahm Building to a user who is committed to restoring Moorfield House and will be using the wider site to its full potential”.
“Moorfield House was a rare freehold opportunity and attracted significant interest from a diverse range of end users. We’re looking forward to seeing how the Polaris team transform the building into an educational space that will benefit the wider community.”
Loren Cahill, project manager for Polaris commented; “We’re absolutely thrilled with the acquisition of Moorfield House and Brahm Building in Headingley. With this remarkable space, we are poised to provide the best outcomes for young people, offering a supportive and empowering environment to learn, grow, and thrive. We cannot wait to open the doors to Ormston School and witness the positive impact we will undoubtedly make in the lives of these promising young individuals.”
Educational professionals looking to work with Polaris or find out more information, can do so by visiting www.polariscommunity.co.uk.
Fox Lloyd Jones & Carter Towler were appointed as the joint disposal agents.
