Blaze engulfs historic ex-ballroom as fire crews rush to the scene

Images and videos posted on social media show extensive fire damage to the rear of the building on Bradford Road, which has been empty for around five years.

A series of road closures have been put in place on Bradford Road and Bonegate Road.

A spokesman from West Yorkshire Police said: "There is a large fire at the junction of Bradford Road and Bonegate Road in Brighouse.

"Road closures are in place as a result in both directions.

"Please stay clear of the area whilst it is being dealt with.

"We advise that those living close by keep doors and windows closed due to the smoke."

Venue 73 was previously known as The Ritz and has been left empty since 2020.

Coffee chain Starbucks had submitted plans to turn the beloved former ballroom into a drive-thru earlier this year.

The building first opened in 1937 as a cinema before closing in 1963 and reopening as a bingo hall two years later.

In 1981, it was refurbished and transformed into a dance hall.

GB News has contacted West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service for a comment.

Nearby residents took to social media to express their shock at the blaze.

One said: "Oh no that beautiful art deco building. Shame on it being abandoned for do long. Many people of Brighouse and beyond have had many happy memories there."

Another added: "This is just awful! What an amazing building and venue gone!"

One nearby resident wrote on social media: "So sad! My mum and uncle worked behind the bar for several years when all the big stars appeared there.

"It was THE place to go. I can remember going to the pictures there as a young girl too."

Another added: "I saw Brenda Lee there in the late 60s and been to a few soul nights and Rock and Roll.

"It was a shame when it closed Now a travesty."