Town’s crumbling buildings ‘AT RISK’
The former Huddersfield Technical College and Infirmary building named as at risk by Historic England. Milnsbridge House on Dowker Street, left, has been removed from the list neglect the roof is leaking and causing damage to the rest of the building.”
Other historic buildings in Kirklees are faring better, among them Milnsbridge House on Dowker Street in Milnsbridge which has been removed from the at-risk register.
Milnsbridge House is a Grade II* building which stands apart from its neighbours in its grand classical style.
It was built around 1748 as a country house close to the river Colne and the area has since built up around it.
It was once home to magistrate Joseph Radcliffe, who played a key part in suppressing the Luddite riots in the Colne Valley.
He helped track down the three mill workers accused of murdering Marsden mill owner William Horsfall who were subsequently hanged for their crimes in 1813.
Although the interiors have been lost, the exterior survives and the first and second floors have been converted into apartments with office space below.
Also removed from the at-risk register is the Wesleyan Methodist Chapel at Heptonstall, Calderdale.
The Grade II* listed octagonal chapel is one of the oldest Methodist churches in England.
Founding Methodist John Wesley laid the foundation stone and preached at the chapel numerous times.
Repairs have been carried out with funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund to address the ceiling, which had suffered falling plaster, and restore the stained glass.
Historic England has also pointed out other success stories since the Register began in 1998.
Kirklees Priory Gatehouse at Kirklees Park, Brighouse, underwent repairs thanks to a new owner and grant-aid from Historic England.
The Grade II* gatehouse was removed from the register last year.
Historic England said: “Five structures at Kirklees Park are still on the Heritage at Risk Register but the fantastic restoration of the gatehouse demonstrates how this important collection of historic buildings can be brought back into use.”