Demolition of town's former social club begins

Kellingley Social Club will be knocked down to make way for a new community facility

Demolition work has started at a former social club to make way for new community and sports facilities.

Wakefield Council approved plans to knock down the Kellingley Social Club building, in Knottingley, in July last year.

A new sports pavilion is to be built in its place with a bar, function room, changing rooms and spectator facilities.

The £6.3m project is part of the council's Knottingley and Ferrybridge masterplan, which sets out its approach to regenerate the area over the next 15 to 20 years.

Jack Hemingway, the council's cabinet member for regeneration and economic growth, said: "Residents have been waiting a long time to see this building come down, so it's great to see progress happening on site.

"We're investing over £6m to completely transform the site and create a brand new, purpose-built community and sports facility that local people can enjoy and be proud of."

Security at the site was stepped up earlier this year

The local authority said contractors were carrying out preparatory works, which included the safe removal of internal fixtures and potentially hazardous materials.

Work on the site was delayed after it was repeatedly targeted by vandals earlier this year, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Round-the-clock security was subsequently put in place and people have been asked to stay away from the area during the work.

Funding for the demolition project was obtained by the council from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

The second stage of demolition, which will see the building brought down, is scheduled to start by the new year, with completion due in early 2026.

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