Housing officials expect a big demand from tenants wanting to move into a Huddersfield tower block.

Workmen are hard at work on the interior of the flats at the former Richmond House in Southgate.

And now it has been revealed the block has been renamed – in honour of Huddersfield-born former Prime Minister Harold Wilson.

The idea to name the flats Harold Wilson Court came from Kirklees councillor Peter McBride.

Lord Wilson, who was raised in Milnsbridge, was one of the great Labour politicians of the last century. A statue of him stands in St George’s Square, a few hundred yards from the flats.

The previous name came from Geoffrey Richmond, the former Huddersfield Borough Council architect who designed the flats.

Clr McBride said: “I can think of no better or more fitting tribute to a man brought up in Huddersfield who became Prime Minister. The flats will mirror the statue of Harold Wilson in the Square.”

The block – one of three at the junction with Leeds Road – is being given a massive makeover.

Harold Wilson Court - formerly Richmond Flats - Southgate in Huddersfield.
Harold Wilson Court - formerly Richmond Flats - Southgate in Huddersfield.

The project is costing £3.7m, which works out an average of £87,500 per flat.

The exterior has been entirely redecorated and new windows and balconies have been installed on each of the flats.

A new lobby and security system will be installed in the building, and solar panels installed on the roof.

Each of the 22 flats will get a new kitchen and bathroom and the 21 bedsits will be converted into one-bedroom apartments.

The two adjacent blocks – the Lonsbrough and Ibbotson flats – are set to be demolished to make way for a new Tesco superstore.

The work on the Richmond flats is expected to continue well into January, when open days are planned.

But Kirklees Neighbourhood Housing officials have already had many inquiries.

Simon Rogers, KNH chief executive, issued a statement through the tenants’ newsletter.

He said: “The Local Lettings Plan does set out priority groups of applicants which include tenants from other flats in Southgate, Kirklees tenants who are downsizing and some applicants who are in work or actively seeking work.

“All successful applicants will need to agree to the Good Neighbour Agreement and be required to attend a pre-tenancy workshop.We will provide information on the benefits of living in the flats, the features and facilities and the running costs.

“As part of the allocation process KNH will carry out more robust checks on applicants and this may include home visits.”