First phase of Heeleys development in Batley set to be completed this year

The development will see the former Conservative Club building, on Stocks Lane, be transformed into a cafe, book shop, emporium and more.

Planning permission for the change of use was approved by Kirklees Council last week, and work on the development has already started.

The first phase of the project will include a coffee shop area, community room and toilets.

As part of the conversion, the building will be essentially gutted, with heating and new windows installed.

A book store/stationary store and emporium containing offices are also part of the plans.

Currently, the property hosts a range of markets outside the building, including the Narnia Festive Market event which took place there last Christmas.

The first market this year will take place in March, with a total of 11 markets planned across the year.

It is hoped the construction work for phase one will be complete in time for an event which is set to take place inside the building next Christmas.

A separate application for a 58-space car park was also approved as part of the development.

The Conservative Club closed in 2020, and the building has been vacant since.

Built in the late 1800s by mill owner Mr George Sheard, its ballroom was used as a public hall for banquets and events.

Other rooms included a billiard room, card room and a newsroom.

The ballroom was converted into a public cinema in the 1930s, after which it became a function room for the Conservative Club.