'Let's rally for its restoration': Campaign to save treasured Calderdale ballroom building ravaged by fire from becoming a Starbucks
A petition calling for what used to be one of Calderdale’s best-venues to be saved from becoming a Starbucks has been launched.
Following a huge blaze at what was The Ritz Ballroom in Brighouse on Saturday night, a campaign has been started to stop plans for a drive-through coffee shop at the site.
As reported by the Courier, the fire caused extensive damage to the building, which was renamed Venue 73 and has been empty since 2020.
A planning application was submitted earlier this year to redevelop the site so that it could become a drive-through Starbucks.
This is still to be decided but the public consultation period for it has ended.
Fifteen people have shared their views on the bid – 11 objecting and four in favour of it.
The objectors include The Cinema Theatre Association who claim the plan would mean “permanent total loss of a locally iconic non-designated heritage asset which has held an important role within the areas social and cultural history”.
Those in favour argue it would bring “badly needed” jobs to the area.
One said: “The building as it stands is in an awful state of repair, looks horrendous, is falling apart inside and out and is dangerous when the storms come along over the winter period to the members of public.”
A planning statement submitted with the application said the building was suffering from substantial damp, had become a magnet for yobs and “is currently not fit for purpose”.
The petition’s organiser says: “The thought of such a classic gem being transformed into a Starbucks or similar establishment is disheartening, and I believe that we should aim to restore it to its former glory instead.
"Transforming The Ritz into a commercial space would strip Brighouse of an essential part of its identity.
"Instead of allowing it to be redeveloped into a modern café or retail space, let's rally for its restoration. By advocating for its refurbishment, we not only honour our past but also open doors to versatile future use—community arts, events, or a cultural centre that speaks to our rich history while engaging the community.”
The petition can be found at https://www.change.org/p/stop-redevelopment-of-the-ritz-in-brighouse