By KLTV Newsdesk –
Kirklees’ Cabinet has approved plans for a £57 million investment in modern high-rise buildings, with a specific focus on safety.
The council says the plan for the four council-owned high-rise buildings focuses first and foremost on making sure tenants are safe and confident in their homes.
Four Locations
There will be a mixture of remediation, refurbishment, and rebuilding work across four locations.
The £57 million investment will see Bishop’s Court and Holme Park Court at Berry Brow demolished and replaced with new lower height buildings.
Significant remodelling will take place at Buxton House, and Harold Wilson Court will see improvements to fire safety standards.
Safety First
Conversations with tenants and leaseholders earlier this year helped form the plans. The meetings focused on looking for ways to ensure robust fire safety measures were in place and that potential fire risks were minimised, in line with government requirements.
The cabinet decision means the multimillion-pound investment plan across the four high rise blocks will go ahead.
For many, the issue of safety in high-rise blocks such as these is paramount in the wake of the Grenfell Tower Fire in 2017.
Artists impression of Berry Brow low rise blocks
‘A standard our tenants deserve’
Councillor Cathy Scott, Cabinet Member for Housing and Democracy and Deputy Leader of the Council said: “The tragic events of Grenfell were a reminder that the council cannot ignore the ongoing risks associated with high-rise residential blocks.
“The safety of our residents is our first priority and we are committed to bringing our high-rise buildings up to the standard our tenants deserve.
“Our tenants are uniquely placed to give us feedback and when the new government standards were introduced, we spoke to our tenants and explained the options for each of the high-rise blocks in question.
“Taking on this feedback helped inform the cabinet decision and we now have a plan for investment that will deliver safer and more modern homes.”
Next Steps
Further consultation with tenants will take place to explain the plan moving forward including rehousing options during the works, which should commence sometime next year.
