That's the view of Dewsbury MP Shahid Malik, who said a college would bring a new lease of life to the historic building and a much-needed economic boost to the town centre.

At a meeting held last week before the Spirit 09 show, Mr Malik made the suggestion as town bosses spelled out their aims for Dewsbury's future.

This week, Mr Malik told the Reporter why the Grade II listed building would be more suitable than an out-of-town new build.

He said: "If you are looking at a new build, you have got the issue of where would it be, and what impact is it going to have – how would it contribute to the regeneration of the town centre?

"There are no available sites in the town centre for a new build. If you agree to the principle that we want our young people in the town centre, we would have to go for an existing building really.

"Pioneer House is a gorgeous, historic building, even though it doesn't look like it at the moment."

He said it could be possible to work with current owners Stayton Group to achieve this.

He said: "I'm quite pragmatic to be honest, I don't care who the owner is but you need to make the best deal for the public purse."

Mr Malik also said Kirklees Council had agreed to a review of local authority jobs, which could see council workers moved from Huddersfield to Dewsbury.

The review is expected to start next week and take a few months.

He said it was a breakthrough for his 'Jobs for Dewsbury' campaign, which had been running for two years.

He said: "It's the first step in the right direction."