Plan to develop into ancient Yorkshire image space construction into luxurious flats

The £2.2m challenge would develop into the previous Image Space in Castleford into 25 high-end residences. The ancient construction on Station Highway has been empty and in a omitted state because it was once the objective of a suspected arson assault virtually 5 years in the past.

Developer Jordan Buchan has submitted plans to Wakefield Council to construct condo houses at the website. Mr Buchan mentioned the brand new construction will comprise a fitness center, cinema room and an place of business hub. The bottom ground may even space the workplaces of the property agent who will organize the tenants. The developer mentioned he additionally hopes to draw a espresso chain to transport into the complicated and talks are recently underway with Starbucks and Costa.

Mr Buchan mentioned: “We’re on the drafting board nowadays however hope to get to paintings instantly if the appliance is authorized. We’re taking a look on the luxurious finish, no longer simply usual residences. We now have had pastime from attainable tenants from the Leeds space. Condo might be round part the price of a an identical flat in Leeds town centre.”

The Image Space, which opened in 1921, was once prior to now a luxurious cinema and theatre. Crowds covered the road outdoor the construction when The Princess Royal – Princess Mary – visited Castleford in 1955, for the Constitution Day rite, making the realm formally a borough.

The cinema, which seated as much as 1,200 folks and in addition had a ballroom and degree amenities, was once adorned with flora and bunting for the instance. Following its closure in 1964, the construction was once run as a cafe, bingo corridor, café bar, pub and nightclub.

A blaze in January 2017 left a lot of it gutted. Mr Buchan purchased the construction at public sale previous this yr.

He mentioned: “We plan to revive the construction up to conceivable and get numerous the unique options again. Numerous paintings must be carried out. There was once a large hollow within the roof and pigeons have been roosting within. It was once lovely smashed up within. It’s been inflicting issues for the police and fireplace brigade however now we have secured the construction. We need to get started letting 18 months after the paintings begins.”

The brand new construction would comprise one penthouse flat plus a variety of 2, 3 and four-bedroom residences. Mr Buchan mentioned he’s additionally serious about a an identical challenge on the former Shoulder of Mutton pub, in Batley.Wakefield Council has showed {that a} making plans software has been gained and is within the strategy of being validated.As soon as the appliance is legitimate, making plans paperwork might be to be had to view at the Council’s web page and there might be alternative for the general public to remark.