Work on 'eyesore' town centre shop set to start

Work to refurbish a vacant shop branded Otley's "biggest eyesore" is expected to start over the coming months.

The former Fultons store in Market Place, which has stood empty since 2022, was bought by developers at the start of the year after a campaign to bring it back into use.

Developers are now working to refurbish the building, with talks ongoing with an existing local business about taking over the site.

Leeds North West MP Katie White, who was part of the campaign, said it was "brilliant" that progress was being made.

"Fultons has been the biggest eyesore on Otley high street for years, so this sale is a really positive step forward," she said.

"It's a win for everyone who pushed for it, from the Otley BID and local businesses to the hundreds of residents who signed our Take Back Fultons petition.

"After four years of that building sitting empty right in the middle of town, it's brilliant to finally see it change hands."

The building was previously owned by Wharfedale Ltd before it was sold in January.

Prior to the sale, more than 600 people signed a petition calling for action to bring it back into use.

Work to refurbish the building is expected to start in the coming months, with the first phase focused on making the building watertight and carrying out essential roof repairs.

White added: "There's a big renovation job ahead, and having been inside myself, I know it's in a bad way with a lot of work still to do.

"I understand the new developer is already in discussions with a local business, and it would be a great win to see a familiar Otley name move in."

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