WORK is well underway on the transformation of the Grade II-listed former Hallmark Cards headquarters into an “exclusive” residential development. 

Proposals for the grand Hallmark House site on Bingley Road in Heaton were unveiled back in 2018, when the site was bought for £6.5m by The Investment Room.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

It came after Hallmark relocated its operations and staff to Dawson Lane in Dudley Hill, to bring its head office nearer to the distribution operation and to create a dedicated design and creative space.

The landmark building will become ‘Card House’ which will include 144 studio, one and two-bedroom apartments, as well as 16 “spectacular” penthouses.

The Investment Room is also building another 240 apartments within the grounds of the iconic building.

Estate agent Dacre, Son & Hartley’s new homes division has been appointed to market a range of apartments in the development.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

Area director Steven Potts said: “Card House is the largest and most exclusive residential development currently under construction in Bradford and will see this stunning Art Deco building transformed into a selection of grand apartments. 

“We’re currently marketing homes ranging from £105,000 to £120,000 and all the apartments in the original building are extremely spacious, light and full of character, which is appealing to both investors and owner occupiers alike.”

He added: “As well as having the kudos of being a well-known landmark, the development sits alongside mature protected woodland and open fields. 

“It also offers easy access to both Leeds and Bradford as well as neighbouring towns and villages including Bingley, Saltaire and Shipley, which all adds to its appeal.”

The original building dates back to 1937 and was designed by Bradford-based architects Benjamin Chippindale and Richard J. Edmondson. 

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

The 76,207 sq ft Hallmark House building was originally constructed for greetings card printer W N Sharpe which was acquired by the family-run Hallmark Cards business in 1984 for nearly £21 million. 

The colonnaded office building was completely refurbished and opened as Hallmark House in 2001, when Hallmark’s UK’s headquarters were transferred from Henley-on-Thames to Bradford.

A planning report in 2019 said the site was no longer viable for office use.

It pointed out that while it had been “comprehensively marketed” between April 2016 and late 2017, the one interested party eventually decided it was unviable.