Part of Victorian building in Cleckheaton collapses into street

Part of Victorian building in Cleckheaton collapses into street

A collapse of part of a former Victorian church in a West Yorkshire town caused a stir as police and the fire service rushed to respond to the incident on Bradford Road in Cleckheaton around 10:00 BST. Thankfully, there were no reported injuries, as confirmed by a police spokesperson. Images circulating on social media depicted massive blocks of broken stone scattered on the pavement outside The Monal wedding venue, showcasing missing parts of the building’s facade.

The Monal addressed the incident, labeling it as a “minor incident” at the Grade II* listed hall and reassuring the public that everyone was safe. A statement from The Monal mentioned ongoing assessments to ensure the safety and security of the space, expressing gratitude for the patience and understanding of the community during this period. Meanwhile, Bradford Road continued to be closed in the aftermath, with Kirklees Highways overseeing the road closure.

Formerly known as Aakash, believed to be among Britain’s largest Indian restaurants, the grand stone building has a rich history. Built by Lockwood and Mawson of Bradford between 1857 and 1859, the two-storey former Providence Place church was originally a United Reformed Church. With its first listing dating back to 1982, the building’s significance has endured over the years. The Monal team is actively engaged in resolving the situation and aims to restore full operations, eagerly anticipating the return of patrons, as expressed in their message, “We look forward to welcoming you all back very soon, insha’Allah [God willing].

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