Plans unveiled to turn fire-hit Leeds Working Men’s Club into new homes
A fire-hit former social club could be turned into housing if plans are agreed with the city council.
Five houses and 16 flats are proposed for the disused Cross Church Street Working Men’s Club in Morley.
Planning permission is sought from Leeds City Council to redevelop the club, built in 1910 for use by workers living nearby.
One and two-bedroom apartments, along with three-bed houses, would be built if the scheme goes ahead.
A planning report by Design Studio North said: “The site has been unused for a number of years and has been left underdeveloped.
“A recent fire has ruined some of the existing structure and it is beyond repair.”
The club building was also broken into four times since it was bought by developer IQW Plus Ltd, the report said.
It said: “Discussions with the local community have identified their desire to see the site redeveloped swiftly to stop the current issues with anti-social behaviour on the land.”
The original club building on Victoria Avenue, classed as a non-designated heritage asset, would be retained as part of the project.
People living in the development would be close to schools and transport links, the report said.
It said: “The site has no future as a working men’s club and its redevelopment for residential use is the most appropriate.
“The site is located in a sustainable location with the town centre easily accessible by foot.”
The report said the scheme would deliver much-needed new homes for the town.
It said: “Morley continues to be a popular area for families to live and demand remains high, as demonstrated by the number of recent schemes around the outer perimeter of Morley centre.
“This scheme provides new family housing at the heart of the community.”