One of Huddersfield’s most imposing buildings could become someone’s new home.
Council planners have been asked to approve proposals to convert part of Estate Buildings into a series of apartments.
The one-bedroom flats would be available to let at very low rents.
It is part of a major policy by Kirklees Council to find new uses for buildings which have been used as council offices but are now surplus to requirements.
The Estates Building was completed in 1874 and was designed by the famous architect William Henry Crossland.
He was also the man behind Byram Arcade and Lion Chambers in Huddersfield.
It is grade 2 listed with outstanding architectural features including parapets, and marble colonnettes.
The flats plan is for the upper floors of part of the building.
The whole of the building has been used as offices following the closure of the private Huddersfield Club, but council officers have moved out.
A spokesman for Aedas, who are behind the development, said: “Due to the restructuring of services within the local authority, it has taken the decision that the offices are no longer needed.
“They are seeking to convert the offices into 15 one-bed dwellings for social housing due to close proximity with local transport links and amenities such as affordable food and clothing retail outlets.
“The Local Authority has a duty to supply social housing at a volume stipulated by the Government and where possible seeks to utilise assets already in local authority possession”.
Reports submitted to Kirklees Council planners say the building lends itself well to conversion with costs well below that of a new building approach.
It also claims the plan would preserve a listed building which is of high importance to the Huddersfield streetscape.
