Tenant lined up for rescued building

The council used compulsory purchase powers to take over the building after it fell into disrepair under private ownership.

Council leader Mehboob Khan said discussions with Pioneer’s first tenant were progressing well.

The Labour councillor said: “It goes without saying that we are absolutely delighted to be able to reveal that our negotiations have reached a stage that both parties are happy to announce our involvement publicly.

“As our discussions are not formally concluded, I am not in a position to confirm the identity of that tenant just yet, but we hope to be able to make a further announcement on that issue very shortly.

“This first development deal will bring around a third of the building, over all three floors, back into use, and is a significant expression of commercial confidence not only in Pioneer House, but also in the wider town.”

Pioneer House was originally acquired by Stayton Developments in 2005, and widely publicised as the centrepiece of a flagship regeneration scheme the company was preparing.

However, the company failed to progress either scheme, and the building was compulsorily purchased by Kirklees Council last month.

Councillor Khan said the council expected to conclude its preliminary discussions with the tenant and to have reached a formal understanding by late summer, at which stage further details will be released.

Surveyors are now assessing the condition of the building and will be drawing up a detailed programme of repairs to stabilise and protect it from further decay.

Pioneer House has dominated Dewsbury’s skyline since 1878, when it was built for Dewsbury Pioneers’ Industrial Society, a co-operative society.