Anti-climb fence and new gates bid to protect Grade II listed Halifax building from yobs
New fencing and gates are needed at an historic Halifax building being targeted by vandals, a planning application claims.
The bid for an anti-climb mesh fencing system and vehicular swing gates at Queens Road Neighbourhood Centre has been submitted to Calderdale Council.
The request also includes demolishing a wall at the site to allow for the installation of the new security fencing.
"The existing wall provides ease of climbing from the external boundary which would negate the effectiveness of the new security fencing,” says a supporting statement.
The centre has fallen into a “poor state of repair” after becoming largely vacant because of the pandemic and rising maintenance costs, says the application.
"Furthermore, the building is subject to constant trespass, anti-social behaviour, fly tipping and vandalism due to the building positioning and vacancy,” says a supporting statement.
There is currently guarded security cover onsite 24/7 to prevent further damage to the building but this is “unfeasible for a sustained period of time”, it continues.
The security upgrades detailed in the bid would prevent the building falling “further and further into disrepair beyond salvageable condition”, the statement claims.
"The proposed fencing would not be fixed into any part of the building fabric or listed boundary walls, and would be reversible so that all surfaces could be returned back to their previous condition should the fencing be removed,” it says.
It adds: "The works to improve the overall security of the site should proceed to ensure the longevity and protect the fabric of the building.
"The fencing and vehicular gates will provide a secure site which will effectively prevent unauthorised access/ trespass which in turn will effectively prevent anti-social behaviour and vandalism to the building.
"This will ensure that the building does not fall into further disrepair and therefore preserves the building ready for future development."
The Grade II listed building was once used as a school, which operated between 1904 to around 1971.
It then became home to the neighbourhood centre, hosting adult learning classes, games rooms, meetings and planned events, as well as storage and office space.
Work on a potential community asset transfer of Queens Road Neighbourhood Centre from Calderdale Council to Halifax Opportunities Trust (HOT) has begun – but the building needs major refurbishment.
An application to the National Lottery Heritage Fund in 2025 for funds was unsuccessful and the building was closed last October because of health and safety concerns.
In July, council cabinet members agreed to proceed to the next stage of the community asset transfer process and agree a lease and joint working agreement with HOT.
They also agreed the council should be a joint applicant with HOT to apply to the National Lottery Heritage Fund again, this time for funding up to a maximum of £610,000.