SecretLeeds - History, culture and architecture in Leeds

Not sure if anyone is interested, but I was lucky enough to get permission to film and photograph the site a couple of week ago and have just recieved the OK to publish my photographs and thought I would share them here as someone may like to see them, especially as the site is due to be demolished as we speak/read. http://www.flickr.com/photos/cjstylesph ... 39737/Hope that link works Cath

My step bro used to work there and I've no idea what he was working with but he had to have regular medical checks.Wonder what will be built in that area? Seems to me that Leeds is as bad as here for buillding "luxury apartments" (which locals cannot afford!).

From what I was told it will be redeveloped for housing although the people of Horsforth aren't happy about that so only time will tell.

Excellent set of photos CathJ. It's good that they were taken as it can be surprising just how quickly much detail about a site can be quickly forgotten (well at least in my case!).

Thank you Leodian, it always makes me a little sad when places like that are demolished so to be able to preserve them in photographs is an amazing opportunity.

I used to work here from late 1999 - 2003 as a Lab Technician.Nothing particularly interesting (dangerous) was made there. They made chemicals for the paper industry. I worked in the research and development lab, experimenting with chemicals called optical brightening agents, and also producing UV fluoroscent security inks for cheques/bank notes etc. They also made various inks there.

The predecessor company, Sandoz, was a major employer. In the days before widespread car ownership it had a fleet of lorries on to which passenger-carrying cabins were affixed. These were a common sight in the vicinity for staff transport. The factory was quite hard to reach from public transport. Farsley Omnibus operated along New Road but didn't deviate to serve the station or the Sandoz factory. Leeds City Transport's No 9 Ring Road route didn't commence until quite late on.

leeboyo wrote: I used to work here from late 1999 - 2003 as a Lab Technician.Nothing particularly interesting (dangerous) was made there. They made chemicals for the paper industry. I worked in the research and development lab, experimenting with chemicals called optical brightening agents, and also producing UV fluoroscent security inks for cheques/bank notes etc. They also made various inks there. It was Sandoz when my step bro worked there. I know he had to have check-ups tho.Also, my ex bro-in-law worked at a chemicals place in Bradford. He turned their white leather sofa light pink where he sat!!!

Funnily enough, I made friends with the security guard (not his dog though) but I had permission from the owner to be on site, I guess had I gone down without I would have ended up facing a grilling from the police. As far as I am aware they have gotten planning permission and are going to start demolishing the site any time now. I will be going past on the train regularly from Monday so will be keeping my eyes open for progress. I did think of having another wonder down to have a look at the dyeworks but I have no one to drag along with me at the moment.    

Yes I'd heard the planning permission had been approved for more housing on the site. Should make the Ring Road even more congested.