Council plan to sell theatre

But it is unlikely the facility will be replaced.

In recent years the converted chapel, in Upper Road, has been blighted by electrical and boiler failures, leaks and flooding. The estimated bill for repairs and disabled access would have run to hundreds of thousands of pounds.

Kirklees Council cabinet met in private to discuss the sale on Tuesday and the agenda for yesterday’s Heavy Woollen planning sub-committee meeting included a report on it.

The report, by council officers, said: “Discussions have been held with the managers, Millennium Stage Productions, who are keen to withdraw from their lease arrangement with the council as soon as possible. They no longer have the capacity to manage the venue.”

The report said the council had discussed its plans with drama groups which rent the theatre, asking them whether they would move to Batley or Dewsbury town halls. The majority were happy to do so, it said. The report also said plans to improve the stage areas at Batley and Dewsbury town halls may now not happen because of budget cuts.