In March, Councillor Hibaq Jama and then-councillor Marg Hickman brought together community anchor organisations to look at the derelict former Tenants’ Hall in Barton Hill.

We then commissioned an independent assessment of the building (published below). It found repairing and converting the current building would cost over £1.4 million.

This brownfield site has the potential to be part of building in and up, not out. Projects like this are essential as we continue to tackle the housing crisis and invest in creating successful, healthier neighbourhoods.

We recently secured almost £200,000 as part of a wider national government programme to cover the costs of demolition to clear the site, if that route is supported by the local community.

Demolition would create a blank canvas for the site in Barton Hill, without the limitations posed by the existing building. It would likely create more opportunities for interested parties to work with the community towards a potential mixed use development. This project could include much-needed new affordable housing and modern, purpose-built community space, and, in line with our land disposal policy for community-led housing, we will be exploring potential for transferring the site to a community organisation.

Our successful bid comes ahead of further community engagement work, talking about the current nature of the building and the potential for new community space and new affordable housing. We are hoping to be able to share details of community workshops soon, for local people and organisations to co-create future options for the site.