Council approves revamp of former social club

Kellingley Sports and Social Club is to be rebuilt as part of a £10m project

Plans to redevelop a derelict former social club in West Yorkshire will go ahead following a review.

Wakefield Council had paused its proposed £10m renovation of Kellingley Sports and Social Club in Knottingley last year after criticism about the cost.

However, at a meeting on Tuesday it was announced that the first phase had now been approved.

Michael Graham, the council’s cabinet member for regeneration and economic growth, told the meeting he was "determined" to deliver the project.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the first phase of the project will see the social club and a nearby sports pavilion demolished to make way for a new bar, function room and improved changing facilities.

Labour councillor Mr Graham said the scheme had been split into two phases "so we can quickly deliver on something and get something out there".

The existing facilities on the site for sports teams "could be a lot better", he added.

Labour councillor Mr Graham says he is "determined" to deliver the project

The cabinet also approved £200,000 of funding for design and infrastructure works to support phase two of the project, which is expected to involve building a new wellbeing hub and more recreation facilities.

The scheme is part of the Knottingley and Ferrybridge Masterplan, a regeneration plan for the area over the next 15 to 20 years.

In 2023, the council announced a re-think of its plans for the site after they were criticised by political opponents and the local community.

Knottingley’s three Lib Dem councillors described the project as "a waste of public money", saying many of the provisions proposed were already available locally.

Mr Graham told Tuesday's meeting: “I am determined, and I know cabinet is determined, to deliver this for the people of Knottingley.

“We are not just going to forget about phase two.

“Final details are to be confirmed, but there will be something for the community with facilities in there."

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