The BBC and Local Democracy Reporting Service have spent several months repeatedly requesting interviews from the major players involved, including the Groucho Club and developers Rushbond, without success.
In a brief statement, the Groucho Club said its “priority” was “making sure Groucho Bretton brings to life our vision for this amazing site”, adding: “We will be sure to share any key updates when we are able.”
Rushbond said it was continuing to work on “bringing the opportunity forward” with ArtFarm, which runs the Groucho Club after buying it in 2022.
However, planning permission to convert Bretton Hall into a hotel is thought to have expired, having been granted in 2022 – two years before the Groucho Club was announced as the operator.
Both parties were asked to confirm if this was the case, whether they intended to reapply for planning permission and whether the development was still on track to be completed this year.
The Groucho Club said it “could not confirm further detail on timelines or planning matters at this stage”. Rushbond did not respond.
Wakefield Council, which took over ownership of the building after the University of Leeds ceased running it, said it wanted to see Rushbond and ArtFarm move forward with the plans “as soon as possible”.