Kirklees Council approves plans to revive the closed St Patrick’s Centre, converting it into a new church by Hope Church.
The Centre was important for the local Catholic community, serving as a community hub. Later, it became a social club, and people used a dance studio for events.
Hope Church will turn the Centre into a church; they are currently at Brian Jackson House. The church says they have grown a lot, with over 140 people attending.
They plan a new entrance on Trinity Street, framed by green cladding. They will remove an old ramp, and a new ramp will improve access. Some windows will get bigger, while others will be filled in, and they will change the inside space.
The project will need some work to address obstacles; they found asbestos inside. The building shows signs of neglect inside and out, and windows and fixtures need urgent repairs.
Converting the Centre to a church will save it from ruin, and refurbishment will bring it up to modern standards. Safety, access, and function are all improved, plus they will upgrade heating and electrical systems because the current systems are old and not suitable.