Old Labour HQ to re-open as learning centre

The former Labour party headquarters in Cleckheaton town centre is being transformed into a new centre offering a range of courses for adults.
Tracy Brabin: The Batley and Spen MP will open up the new activist centre on Saturday.Tracy Brabin: The Batley and Spen MP will open up the new activist centre on Saturday.
Tracy Brabin: The Batley and Spen MP will open up the new activist centre on Saturday.

MB the trade union is re-vamping Tom Myers House in Cross Crown Street through its Lifelong Learning Project.

Adult apprenticeships and NVQ programmes will be on offer at the site, bolstered by a new fully-funded “state of the art” IT suite.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

GMB branch secretary Cath Pinder said: “This is a win-win situation for the GMB, Labour Party and the local community.”

The centre will also offer a support space for GMB activists, reps and members so they can drop in when they need to.

It once homed the office of former Batley and Spen Labour MP Mike Wood, who retired from politics before the 2015 general election. And it has also been a Batley Food Bank drop-off point.

The constituency’s new Labour MP Tracy Brabin and GMB regional secretary Neil Derrick will officially open the facility on Saturday.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Ms Brabin said: “It’s a massive boost to Cleckheaton that we’ll have excellent learning opportunities and state of the art facilities right here on our doorstep.”

Ms Pinder said: “Learning should not stop after leaving education or whilst in employment and we will be engaging with people both in work and those looking for work through this fantastic facility.”

People who live in the community, GMB activists and members are invited to the opening, which is due to take place from 1pm.

President of the Spenborough Chamber of Commerce Dave Minich said: “Speaking as a man who has been out of work in my fifties I can sympathise with adults that struggle to find a job.”

“It would be great for the town if it did create jobs.

“They’re hard enough to come by already so any help is always welcome.”