An international property developer currently based in Guiseley is to make a former Ilkley college site its new headquarters.

Candelisa Resorts Ltd, of Shires Road, Guiseley, has bought the Bridge House site, on Ilkley’s Bolton Bridge Road, vacated by tenant Bradford College earlier this year.

Candelisa’s portfolio includes UK residential and commercial developments in Austria and Barbados, and new developments are underway in Switzerland, Spain and the Balearic Islands.

The company has retained the services of Dacres Commercial, which handled the sale of the building.

Dan Brumfitt, of Dacres Commercial, said Candelisa plans to develop part of the site itself, pictured, as its new headquarters, and the remainder is open to offers. Subject to planning permission, he said, the rest of the site could be used for offices, residential use or business space.

Candelisa is hoping to expand its UK portfolio, said Mr Brumfitt.

He did not reveal what the building, previously owned by a local resident, had sold for. Offers in excess of £500,000 had been invited.

Candelisa has completed four chalet ski and mountain resort developments in Austria and is currently working on another two. It is also developing apartments and resorts in Barbados.

Dacres is continuing to act as the agent for the property.

The college recently moved its courses out of Bridge House to communities venues in and around Ilkley, despite protests from students, who feared college provision would be lost altogether if Bradford College no longer had a base in Wharfedale.

The college said it could not renew its lease on Bridge House for financial reasons.