Listed town centre property could become apartments if grant approved

A historic building in Dewsbury could be converted into apartments if councillors agree.

Next week – 11 October – Kirklees Council’s Cabinet will debate whether to allocate £2.38m worth of funding to develop Fieldhouse, a four-storey building opposite Dewsbury Railway Station.

The property is in the Daisy Hill and Bond Street area, one of the the key locations marked for development as part of the Dewsbury Blueprint.

A council spokesman explained: “We plan to create a new neighbourhood around Daisy Hill, made up of homes which are both excellent quality and affordable to rent or buy.

“Once completed, the neighbourhood will feature both new buildings and converted ones. The plans will both give Fieldhouse – and other buildings – a new purpose and new lease of life, and will futureproof some of Dewsbury’s beautiful historic architecture for future generations.

“Fieldhouse itself will be the flagship of the development, transformed into 23 spacious apartments and a large amount of commercial space.  Once finished, this building will be known as Station Apartments.”

Fieldhouse is a Grade II* Listed building, part of the Dewsbury Town Centre Conservation Area and the Dewsbury Heritage Action Zone (HAZ).

The area was awarded HAZ status in 2017. This means Historic England wants the area to be protected because of its historical significance.

Since then Fieldhouse has been bought by Mood Developments, which has been obtaining the permissions required to revive the building.

The project has already had £1.38m of funding approved towards the £2.83m grant. This comes from the Dewsbury Town Deal and is part of the Town Investment Plan, aimed at boosting Dewsbury’s economy and long-term prosperity.

If the £2.83m is approved, the developer intends to start construction in November this year. Works are expected to take about 12 months to complete.