Kirklees kicks on with high-rise replacements

The council is looking to replace the twin blocks in Berry Brow with lower-level homes, with the tallest buildings being six storeys.

Consultation with tenants carried out in 2021 showed that demolition for the Bishops Court and Holme Park Court blocks is the preferred course of action.

Existing tenants continue to be supported by dedicated housing officers to find new homes.

Kirklees and its architect Frank Shaw Associates have developed initial ideas for the blocks’ replacements, which are now being shared in a further consultation before a planning application is prepared later this year.

Early plans show around 135 affordable homes over three blocks, with the layout designed to respond to the existing site constraints including site levels, surrounding trees and landscaping.

At six storeys, the new buildings will be 10 floors lower than the previous blocks.

Around 135 homes are in the new plans. Credit: Kirklees Council

Proposals have been created to connect residents with nature and the local area, and provide design elements such as natural lighting, ventilation and natural landscaped areas, Kirklees said.

Improvements will also be made to the existing landscaping to create safe, accessible spaces focusing on ease of movement through the site.

Bishop’s Court and Holme Park Court are part of the wider fire safety programme that the council have been carrying out over the last couple of years.

Naz Parkar, service director for homes and neighbourhoods at Kirklees, said:

“It’s great to see we are moving on to the next phase of regenerating Berry Brow flats and concept designs have been put place. Having input from our tenants and local residents will be a crucial step to making sure we can create a housing scheme that will benefit everyone.

“As a council, we are committed to improving housing standards and this project will contribute greatly to our ambitions through the various design elements proposed.”

Due to run until 12 June, the consultation can be accessed at https://kirklees.gov.uk/berrybrow-consultation.

The project replaces 16-storey blocks with six-storey buildings. Credit: Kirklees Council