Time’s up for Berry Brow flats as demolition date fast approaches
The two high-rises – Bishop’s Court and Holme Park Court – will be torn down and eventually replaced with new social housing.
Notorious blocks of flats at Berry Brow will soon be disappearing from Huddersfield’s skyline, as demolition is just around the corner.
The two high-rises – Bishop’s Court and Holme Park Court – will be torn down and eventually replaced with new social housing. Contractors are now starting the first phase of the process – setting up the site. By Kirklees Council’s current timescales, it is expected that the buildings will be bulldozed by this August, with the site to be cleared by September, though this could be updated.
Residents will first notice a large, hoarded perimeter being installed around the area. These hoardings will surround the building but still allow safe access along Parkgate and to the bus stop. The project will encompass five stages in total including: site set up; asbestos surveys and removal; soft strip; demolition; and site clearance. When everything’s completed, the site will be part of the council’s plans to build new homes through its Capital Investment Programme.
Kirklees Council says there was “overwhelming support” to start fresh at the site, rather than refurbishing the blocks, when the demolition plans were set out in previous years. More recently, some neighbouring residents have voiced concern over the potential impacts of the demolition, and have called for greater safeguards. The local authority says a community briefing held in February was well-attended and offered clarity and assurance to locals.
Councillor Moses Crook, Cabinet member for Housing and Transport, Kirklees Council said: “It’s great to see we are moving forward with plans to demolish these two outdated blocks. This progress is essential for the future of the site and will make way for new housing to help battle the national housing shortage.
“We understand that demolition projects of this size can be a worrying time for those who live locally, but we want to reassure residents that we will do all we can to keep disruption to a minimum – and keep you informed along the way.”
Kirklees Council says it will continue to share progress of the demolition project as it develops on their communication channels and with the neighbouring residents.