US mechanical components group Dana Corporation is set to announce a preferred bidder for its 65-acre (26ha) Kirkstall Forge site in Leeds after receiving around 18 bids.
Dana is expected to complete the sale within the next few weeks.
Dana is thought to have selected the preferred developer, which is believed to be planning to develop homes with a business park at the site, in line with the city’s Unitary Development Plan.
Dana insisted on unconditional bids and gave potential bidders only six weeks to assemble their pitches.
Jeff Pearey of Chesterton, the agent for the site, said: “It’s been a real hot potato because everybody was given such a short time to decide, but that has helped sort out the serious bidders.
“We did receive some conditional bids, which were interesting, but we ruled them out because of the time it would take to complete the deal with everything going through planning.”
Dana is closing its forge at the site and is seeking alternative premises.
The redevelopment of Kirkstall Forge is expected to act as a spur to development in the area three miles to the north west of Leeds city centre.
EGi News 07/08/02
