'Outdated' high-rise flats ready to be demolished

Phil TowersYorkshire
News imageKirklees Council Two high-rise blocks of flats next to each other, surrounded by trees. Both blocks are around 15 storeys high and in a pale orange colour.Kirklees Council
The high-rise flats will disappear from the skyline to make way for new housing

Two "outdated" blocks of flats are to be demolished in Huddersfield, with work to make the area safe set to begin this week

Bishop's Court and Holme Park Court in Berry Brow are to be knocked down between May and August, Kirklees Council said.

It said there had been support within the community to bulldoze the high-rise flats rather than to refurbish them - and it is hoped new homes will be built on the land.

The council said the area around the flats will be secured with safety hoardings before asbestos surveys are carried out and parts of the buildings can begin to be stripped away.

It said there will be as little disruption as possible to people living nearby, and the hoardings would still allow safe access along Parkgate and to the bus stop.

News imageKirklees Council A block of high-rise flats is in the distance, surrounded by trees. There is a white Kirklees Council van visible, with 'Homes and Neighbourhoods' written on the back doors in blue lettering.Kirklees Council
Kirklees Council says it will keep disruption to a minimum while the demolition is carried out

Councillor Moses Crook, Cabinet member for Housing and Transport, said: "It's great to see we are moving forward with plans to demolish these two outdated blocks.

"This progress is essential for the future of the site and will make way for new housing to help battle the national housing shortage."

The council said it has had dedicated teams working with the tenants to find them new homes.

Following the demolition, the future of the site will be decided in the council's Capital Investment programme which was submitted to cabinet in December.

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