Essential repairs work is now being carried out on the historical Huddersfield Co-operative building in New Street.

Scaffolding was suddenly erected around the imposing four-storey building this week by its owners, Kirklees Council, in order to carry out essential surveys and minor repair work.

The changes are expected to take between six to eight weeks to complete and the survey findings are expected to be presented to the council’s cabinet this December.

A council spokeswoman said that no buyer had yet been found for the venue.

But Cabinet member for place and Dalton councillor Peter McBride has previously said that a developer is interested in the building, which has lay dormant since 2004 and was last used as the Heaven and Hell nightclub.

Opened in 1936 and built to designs by architects W A Johnson and J W Cropper, the Co-operative building spent its heyday as a popular department store.

Commenting on the developments, Huddersfield Civic Society member, Chris Marsden, said: “I take the survey and work as good things and any positive steps that can be taken forward with the building I will gladly welcome.”