Historic listed building goes up for sale

A HISTORIC listed building has gone up for sale.

Brighouse Civic Hall, in Bradford Road, which is a Grade-II listed building, has been put on the market.

It has a guide price of £795,000 and has been listed by West Yorkshire-based property consultancy Walker Singleton.

The building dates back to 1868 when it was opened as the Town Hall and it was first listed by Historic England in December 1983.

It was the subject of discussion last May, with Councillor Howard Blagbrough (Con, Brighouse) saying he understood Calderdale Council was still maintaining the building and that it had complex issues.

The building, which hosted a range of events and organisations, had two initial expressions of interest in taking on the building, by an educational establishment and a theatre group, but were later withdrawn.

Asset management officer Stephen Hoyle said back then an options report about the building had been completed.

This had been sent to the relevant service directors, including finance, for initial discussions of these.

He said in May, he hoped by the end of August there might be a decision about options and he would be able to report further.

The property has four mixed multi-tenanted retail units on the ground floor level that generate a combined rental income of £62,090 per annum.

Current occupiers at Brighouse Civic Hall include Yorkshire Building Society, Overgate Hospice, Harrison Lord art dealer and gallery, and a local retailer of ladies wear.

The vacant space comprises Calderdale Council's Customer First support office to the ground floor, and the Civic Hall, which has additional ancillary rooms, to the first and second floor.

Brighouse Civic Hall is one of a number of buildings which was closed under Calderdale Council’s Future Council plan in order to make financial savings.

The Bradford Road building has a main hall, stage area, a bar lounge area, toilets, and is served by a modern lift.

It was refurbished in 2009, when the venue was completely overhauled.

Yasmin Lee, Walker Singleton commercial property agent, said: “Due to its location and commercial appeal, we expect Brighouse Civic Hall to be a popular site with those looking to bolster their multi-let investment portfolio.

“The occupied space at the property currently delivers strong rental income with an opportunity for further growth, whilst the vacant space will appeal to a range of potential tenants.

“I would strongly advise any interested parties to get in contact to discuss the opportunity and to arrange a viewing of Brighouse Civic Hall.”