New life is set to be breathed into Youth House, Hebden Bridge.

Calderdale Council (Monday, April 2) agreed that Hebden Bridge Light Opera Society should take over responsibility for the building.

Youth House will be transferred on a leasehold basis to the organisation under the Council's Framework for Community Management of Assets.

Transfer will be subject to:

• Submission by HBLOS of a full business plan, showing that the organisation would not require financial support
• HBLOS demonstrating that they have properly consulted with stakeholders and the wider community on the site
• Demonstrating in any future governance arrangements that there will be continued accountability to the local community.

In April 2012 Cabinet agreed to transfer Youth House to Pennine Heritage to enable them to set up a Heritage Centre in the town. But the decision was reversed in May 2011 following an unsuccessful funding bid by Pennine Horizons.

The site will now provide a permanent home for a number of organisations, including HBLOS, Hebden Bridge Brass Band, Hebden Bridge TV Company, Glusburn Theatre School for young people and vulnerable adults.

The decision will ensure continued community use for the building if at all possible, which lies at the heart of Hebden Bridge and is linked to the library.