Development partner sought for listed building

A Grade II* listed building could be transferred to a housing developer after original plans to transform the site failed.

Kirklees Council had earmarked Estate Buildings, near the George Hotel and railway station in Huddersfield, for housing.

Government cash of £1.25m was secured for enabling works and the council had entered into an agreement with Thirteen Group to deliver social housing at the site.

However, the housing provider has since withdrawn from the scheme due to risk within the sector, leaving the council looking for alternatives.

The council has acknowledged that it would be "very challenging" and expensive for a developer to convert the building but hoped to reduce costs and make it a "more attractive" opportunity through government cash.

Estate Buildings dates back to the late 1800s and was designed by Huddersfield architect W.H Crossland.

The entrance hall, staircase and first-floor waiting rooms feature wall panelling, decorative stained glass and intricately carved fireplaces. The council said many of the features would be retained through any redevelopment.

The agreement with the Thirteen Group would have also involved developing Somerset Buildings on Byram Street and, once completed, the group could have purchased the building at market value.

The council now wants to appoint a development partner who would enter into a building lease with the council and take on the freehold for Estate Buildings once construction was complete.

The move would generate additional council tax of up to £95,000 per year and some savings by reducing the costs associated with holding the building, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

In 2023-24, the council spent £29,000 on gas, electric, intruder and fire alarms and rodent controls at Estate Buildings.

A decision on whether to proceed with the new approach will be made by the council's cabinet on Tuesday.

If the council is not in a contract to deliver homes by 31 March 2028, some or all of the £1.25m government grant would have to be repaid.

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