Kirklees Together

The future of selected land and property assets within the council’s estate has been agreed following a Cabinet meeting.

Members discussed proposals which will help reduce maintenance and property running costs for the council but will also generate capital receipts whilst providing opportunities for regeneration.

Councillor Graham Turner, Cabinet Member for Finance and Regeneration, said:

“Making decisions on buildings and land that are surplus to requirements are never easy, but they are always carefully reviewed and thought through. These steps we take are essential to strengthening the Council’s ability to deliver future capital receipts – whether in 2025/26 or in the years ahead – at a time when financial targets remain challenging.

“The income generated plays a vital role in supporting our Capital Plan, reducing borrowing, investing in important projects, and safeguarding the council’s financial reserves.

“By making these sites available, we are also creating opportunities for developers to invest, generate jobs, and drive business growth across Kirklees. Smaller sites can help meet housing needs or provide space for community use, aligning with our ambitions for growth and sustainability.

“It also reduces ongoing maintenance costs, eases financial pressures and allows us to focus resources where they’re needed most.”

Since the last surplus asset report in July 2025, a further assessment of the council’s estate has been carried out to identify buildings and land which are surplus to requirements.

As part of the asset review, Batley Baths and the adjoining car park land on Wellington Street has been marked as surplus to requirements. Discussions took place with external groups, but they withdrew their offer to take on the site.

Red Laithes Court and Havelock Street, Ravensthorpe have also been made surplus. The council’s Adult Services currently run day care sessions for adults with learning disability and physical disabilities from the buildings. The council is investing in the Milldale and Crescent Dale facilities in Heckmondwike and the proposal from Adults Services is to consolidate all North Kirklees day services into a newly refurbished, single, fit-for-purpose site.

The disposal of land at Mill Lane, formerly known as Hanging Heaton Community Centre has been agreed. This land will now be moved towards sale once agreement has been reached with the adjoining charity.

The buildings and assets identified as being surplus to requirement will now move towards sale and disposal.