Kirklees Council has been working alongside architects to develop early designs for a new housing scheme which will replace two high-rise blocks, Bishops Court and Holme Park Court in Berry Brow.
The proposals have been shared with the tenants living in the blocks and residents in the surrounding area with hopes to receive their views, to help shape further design development.
This follows the decision made by the council’s cabinet in summer 2021, that the flats will be demolished following consultation with tenants who said that this was their preferred option. Existing tenants continue to be supported by dedicated housing officers to find new homes.
Early plans show around 135 new sustainable and affordable homes over three blocks, with the layout designed to respond to the existing site constraints including site levels, surrounding trees and landscaping.
This new development has been designed to fit in with the surrounding area and will drastically reduce in height from 16-storeys to 6-storey blocks to positively change the view of the local landscape.
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. Improvements will also be made to the existing landscaping to create safe, accessible spaces focusing on ease of movement through the site.
The designs at this stage are not final and are likely to change throughout the design development stage.
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, 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.”
Next steps will see the council continuing to work with architects to develop the proposals in preparation for a planning submission later this year.
