Speculation is growing about the future of one of Ilkley’s most prestigious heritage buildings amid claims that the company which has occupied it for more than half a century has moved out.

Ilkley residents reported that they had seen NG Bailey moving out of the building in recent weeks, and the building was this week standing apparently empty, with its gates padlocked.

Built in the early 20th century, designed by celebrated architect Edwin Lutyens, the Grade II building within its own grounds on King’s Road was originally a family home, but was taken over by Ilkley-based company NG Bailey in the late 1950s.

NG Bailey is a UK-wide group of specialist mechanical, electrical, ICT, maintenance and building management companies. The group’s management headquarters is just a few miles away at Denton Hall.

Denton Hall, another of the area’s significant landmarks, was recently featured in the Green Guide for Historic Buildings, produced by the Prince’s Regeneration Trust, as an ideal model of how the environmental performance of listed and historic buildings can be improved.

NG Bailey had not commented on Heathcote by the time of going to press yesterday.

There was also speculation about the future ownership and use of Heathcote several years ago, when NG Bailey sought planning permission to build a state-of-the-art office complex on the site of the caravan showroom and former filling station on Coutances Way.

Ilkley Civic Society has been approached by members of the community about Heathcote.

Secretary Alex Cockshott said: “We’d like to know what it’s future is, because it’s quite an iconic house.”

Although it has not been open to the public, Heathcote, which can be clearly seen from the main and rear gates to its grounds, is often on the route of sightseers visiting the area.