A LARGE deteriorating building in Cleckheaton could be given a new lease of life as retail and office space.

Plans have been lodged to completely renovate the former Music Room at St John's Place in the centre of the town.

Occupying a prominent position of St John's Car Park, the three storey building is described as dating back to 1900 and some of its brickwork has been rendered.

It is currently vacant and was previously the Music Room, which sold and repaired musical equipment. It's current condition is described as "deteriorating".

The scheme, by Willow Properties, would create a four storey building, with a glazed apex roof light as well as Velux type windows, and solar roof panels.

In a design and access statement to accompany the plans to Kirklees Council, Heckmondwike-based Innsight Design states: "The existing property is currently vacant and in a deteriorating state of repair. It has a detrimental visual impact on the centre of Cleckheaton and in particular from the main town centre St John’s car park.

"The proposed retail use to two floors would provide an attractive proposition to the town centre, providing job opportunities and adding to the existing, thriving, town centre shopping experience.

"Proposed office use to second floor and loft provide good use of the upper floor spaces and add to Cleckheaton as a commercial centre."

The building is not listed and is not in a conservation area.

Of the plans it adds: "It is proposed to refurbish the building entirely, both internally and externally.

"Ground floor and first floor are to be used as shop / retail space, retaining the existing building use A1. Second floor and loft are to become separate office space B1(a).

"Externally the north facing façade is to have new larger openings with glazed curtain walling in line with retail use. Glazing to second floor provides natural light to the office setting."

"The roof material is to be replaced with new slate tile, with glazed apex roof light and ‘Velux’ type roof lights to north elevation. Aluminium powder coated dormers to both north and south facing roofs provide a lift shaft and a plant room."

A new steel fire escape is also planned to the north side of the building.

Parking to the front would provide space for four vehicles, including a disabled parking space.

The car park opposite also provides "free 4 hour parking", the report adds.

Public consultation on the plans continues until November 5, and a decision is expected later that month.