Some parts of the Centre at Threeways building in Ovenden, Halifax, have been closed with immediate effect to protect people’s safety after serious structural issues were found.
During a routine survey and inspection of the premises today (Friday 24 June), Calderdale Council’s Building Control team found the first-floor walls above the entrance to be unsupported and subject to movement.
The team declared the walls structurally unstable and the entrance hall unsafe for use. The path leading up to the entrance hall was also found to be unstable and at risk of collapse.
Therefore, for public and employee safety, the entrance hall and path are now closed until further notice and protective fencing is in place.
Unfortunately, the only access to the café at the Centre at Threeways is through the entrance hall, and the gas has been turned off in the building, meaning the café is regrettably unable to open and trade.
The church, Greenhome and Men in Sheds, which are based in other, separate parts of the building and have other entrances, remain open, although the building is without heating due to the gas being turned off.
Alan Lee, Calderdale Council’s Corporate Lead for Corporate Asset and Facilities Management, said:
“It is with regret that we have had to close the entrance hall and entrance pathway at Centre at Threeways, after our Building Control specialists deemed them too dangerous for people to use.
“Safety is our priority, and due to the major scale of the structural issues found, it is not possible to keep these parts of the building open.
“We are sorry that this impacts on the café’s ability to trade, but we must keep their staff and customers safe, as well as the other people using the affected areas.
“We will be closely monitoring the building over the coming days and further investigations will take place so that we can determine the next steps.”
Centre at Threeways is an old, 1950s building which is deteriorating rapidly.