Former Huddersfield working men’s club to get new lease of life as community hall
Almondbury Working Men’s Club at Southfield Road closed its doors in late 2022
A former Huddersfield Working Men’s Club could soon be getting a new lease of life as plans await a decision from Kirklees Council.
Almondbury Working Men’s Club at Southfield Road closed its doors in late 2022 but new owners are planning to turn it into a “community-focused event hall”, with space for small business, educational facilities, and recreational activities.
The club’s closure has left a “noticeable gap” in the local social and recreational offering, with no “central space” for residents to socialise and hold events, according to the applicant.
A supporting document continues: “The absence of this community venue has contributed to a sense of isolation, particularly among those who relied on the club as a place of connection and cultural participation. Additionally, the closure has impacted local employment opportunities and diminished the vibrancy of the area.”
It also explains that multiple attempts have been made to vandalise the building which is totally boarded up. The roof and skylight are said to be “severely leaking” having damaged floorboards and walls.
With the electricity cut off and an absence of heating, mould has begun to form, along with a “damp odour”. The applicant adds: “If the building continues to deteriorate at this rate, restoring it will require a substantial financial investment to bring it back to life.”
It concludes: “This proposal seeks to restore a valuable community hub that has been lost due to the closure of the Working Men’s Club. By providing a welcoming, adaptable space, the redevelopment will contribute positively to the social, cultural, and economic fabric of Almondbury, ensuring that the building continues to serve the local community for many years to come.”
A target date for a decision to be made by Kirklees Council has been set for May 12.
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