Green light for Youth House

Tuesday, 30 October 2012

Calderdale Council has given the green light for Hebden Bridge Light Opera Society (HBLOS) to take over responsibility for Youth House in Hebden Bridge.

The building will be transferred to HBLOS on a 40 year lease under the Council's Framework for Community Management of Assets.

A number of organisations will be based in Youth House, including HBLOS, Hebden Bridge Brass Band, Hebden Bridge TV Company and Glusburn Theatre School for young people and vulnerable adults.

In April 2012, Calderdale Council's Cabinet gave the go ahead for the Council's Asset Transfer Group to look in to HBLOS's proposals for Youth House.

After careful consideration, the Council has approved HBLOS's business plan, which shows that the organisation does not require financial support. HBLOS has also demonstrated to the Council that they have properly consulted with stakeholders and the wider community about the plans for the site, and that in any future governance arrangements, there will be continued accountability to the local community.

Calderdale Council's Leader, Cllr Tim Swift, said:

"I'm delighted that Youth House is going to be put to good use in the heart of the community after being empty for a number of years."

The Council's Cabinet Member for Communities, Cllr Pauline Nash, added:

"This is excellent news. Thank you to everyone who has worked hard to breathe new life into the building."