Community facilities could be enhanced in Birkby if plans to transform the former Britvic factory are given the go-ahead.
The site has been for sale since June last year and now has plans submitted to create a ‘community hub and worship area’ for the area.
If approved, the site could house a children’s soft play and sensory room for disabled, a social hub for the elderly, drama and youth activities, IT classes and space for a community library.
Meeting rooms would also be created to allow charities that help with debt counselling, bereavement counselling, marriage counselling, refugee seeking and rehoming to offer services in the local area.
An application submitted to Kirklees Council by developers outlines the facility will complement, but not replace, the work done by the Welcome Centre currently in Huddersfield town centre.
The Rivertree Trust, which runs the Jubilee Centre in Paddock, has submitted the application for the Willow Lane site.
It would provide a food and clothes bank for those who are hungry and need support and opportunities for those who have been convicted to be re-established into society.
Other elements of the centre will be to offer education and support for people returning to work.
It could be a base for groups to educate families in areas of safety, first aid, good parenting skills, a place where dads can come and build skills and relationships, a place for mentally ill, disabled and those with learning difficulties to volunteer in community enterprise and to learn skills as part of their own group.
The Trust has been based in Paddock for more than 19 years and relies on donations from the church and others to offer community services. It is yet to be confirmed whether both centres would continue or the Jubilee Centre would close and be relocated.
A report produced by applicants Martin Walsh Associates, reads: “The benefits to the local community are extremely high, more so than previous occupations on the site.
“The facility will be open to all ages and classes within the area, so the local inclusion and interaction of residents will be increased dramatically.
“The amenity of local residential units will improve as the site will no longer act as an industrial site and the proposed use is more suitable to being within or adjacent to residential areas.”
