As many Meltham residents are aware, The Lodge at the entrance to The Robert Ashton Memorial Park is an integral and historic part of the Town’s main park. The property is currently owned by Kirklees Council, unlike the remainder of the park which is owned by Meltham Town Council. The house has been empty since the last tenancy nearly a decade ago and has been left to deteriorate despite the efforts of Meltham Town Council to encourage Kirklees Council to renovate and provide occupancy at the property.
Most recently the property was listed for auction by Kirklees Council. Once Meltham Town Council became aware of this, they swiftly requested its withdrawal from the market. This was to enable the Town Council to develop a proposal for the redevelopment of the property, with the intention of its main purpose to be used as a community building, to sit in conjunction with the existing use of the park and to remain as the sole purpose for community enrichment.
A basic proposal and business case for the development of the lodge and adjoining site has emerged giving an exciting plan to provide a multi-purpose community building including possible refreshment space fronting the play areas in the park. In order to further develop the idea Meltham Town Council has appointed an Architect to work with the Town Council and other community partners to prepare initial proposals and feasibility. The Architects appointed, ‘Architect Unknown?’ are a Manchester based practice with experience in community buildings and using a design concept called ‘Wikihouse’, which whilst being cost effective and sustainable enables the community and local residents to be involved in the construction process.
Further details will be published at a later date on how the consultation process will be implemented, and how you may become involved.
Meltham Town Council has also instructed Solicitors Ridley and Hall to act on its behalf in the purchase of The Lodge.
A Brief Background on The Lodge Ownership
The property was transferred to Kirklees Council out of the park as part of Local Government reorganisation in 1974, as Kirklees were then the new lead council for housing matters in this area. The Town Council has long had the view that as Kirklees Council no longer require it for this purpose that the property should be returned to the Town Council as the property was part of an original charitable gift to the Town in 1946 from the Hirst/Brook family.
