Councillors are set to give the go-ahead for the £12 million demolition and rebuild of an outdated 1970s retirement complex in Golcar.

Sycamore Grange in Sycamore Avenue was found to need “major safety work” and has asbestos which needs removing.

The council decided in December 2022 that the elderly residents should move out. Tenants will be paid compensation of around £8,000 each plus removal costs and payments for blinds and floor coverings on top.

Residents have steadily been moved out over the last few months and the complex is expected to be empty by March 2024.

The two-storey building will then be stripped of asbestos and salvageable materials and the site cleared.

A report to Kirklees Council’s Cabinet, which meets on Tuesday October 17, says residents and locals living nearby have been consulted.

As a result it’s been decided that the new complex will include 41 mainly one-bed retirement apartments, nine one-bedroom bungalows, five two-bedroom bungalows and four one-bedroom cottage flats.

The bungalows and cottage flats will be made available for older people with the intention of freeing up larger houses for families.

The report says the scheme will cost £11.937 million and will include a total of £300,000 to pay compensation and moving costs to residents.

The compensation is set by the Government. It was £7,800 but that rises to £8,100 this month.

Each tenant’s move will cost between £9,000 and £12,000 depending on their needs and whether their new homes need adaptations.

The council, which is currently facing a £47 million budget black hole, will also be hit by a loss of rental income and council tax when residents move out, estimated at £142,000 from April 2023 to March 2024.

If Cabinet gives its approval, the council will submit a planning application in November and, once the complex is empty, the council plans to start demolition straightaway to avoid the building being a target for thieves and vandals.

Subject to planning permission, building work could start in late 2024 and take around two years to complete. Tenants like the look of the plans and 80% say they would be happy to return.

Clr Masood Ahmed, Cabinet member for housing, said: “I’m pleased with the updated plans for the progression of Sycamore Grange’s redevelopment, showing our commitment to supporting older residents to live independently for longer.

“By taking the feedback from the consultation, we’ve tailored the designs to better meet our tenants’ needs.

“I’m eager to see the continuous progress of this project as work begins next year.”