VIDEO: See inside the new flats at Pioneer House

Part of a landmark building has been transformed into affordable housing as part of a major town centre regeneration project.
Coun Cathy Scott opening the new flats. (d603d507)Coun Cathy Scott opening the new flats. (d603d507)
Coun Cathy Scott opening the new flats. (d603d507)

Dewsbury’s Pioneer House annexe, which has stood empty since 2009, has been turned into six one-bedroom apartments.

Kirklees’ Cabinet member for housing, Coun Cathy Scott (Lab, Dewsbury East), said: “Two key priorities for the council are to create more affordable housing and to boost our town centres. This project is a prime example of how we can do that.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We’re starting to bring this historic building back to life, while the physical improvements and the way the flats are being let make this a very desirable place to live.

Coun Cathy Scott opening the new flats. (d603d507)Coun Cathy Scott opening the new flats. (d603d507)
Coun Cathy Scott opening the new flats. (d603d507)

“I hope all the residents will be very happy in their new homes.”

The flats, which are managed by Kirklees Neighbourhood Housing, are open to people on the council’s housing register and will rent for £63-£68 per week.

Prospective tenants will have to attend a workshop on tenancy responsibility and get to know their neighbours.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A spokeswoman for KNH said the flats had already attracted a lot of interest and could have their first residents in a matter of weeks.

The Grade II listed Victorian building was originally home to the Dewsbury Cooperative Society and has housed a variety of businesses.

It was most recently used as a storage facility but was deemed surplus to requirements. The project was supported with government money given, cash from the Heritage Lottery Fund and its own funds.

The council was awarded total of £2,879,843 to bring 125 empty in Huddersfield and Dewsbury town centres back into use.

• Visit www.dewsburyreporter.co.uk to watch a video tour of the site and the inside of the new flats.