Kirklees Council’s Cabinet has approved a proposal to spend £1.25m on Estate Buildings in order to prepare the site for future development.
This money has already been allocated for the development of the Estate Buildings, and is part of the One Public Estate Brownfield Land Release Fund – a government fund to support local authorities in transforming surplus land and buildings into new homes.
The Grade II Listed building has significant heritage value, and was identified as an important feature within the Huddersfield Blueprint during early planning stages. After careful consideration, focusing on the blueprint vision to increase the number of people living in the town centre, the historic building has been identified as an opportunity to create new housing in Huddersfield.
Estate Buildings is located right in the middle of millions of pounds’ worth of investment in Huddersfield town centre – through blueprint projects like the George Hotel, Huddersfield Market and improvements to the neighbouring Byram Arcade, and the multibillion-pound Transpennine Route Upgrade which will further improve rail links to the nearby Huddersfield Railway Station.
Council teams have been working together to draw up a specification and tender package for these preparatory works which will see the Estate Buildings developed in the future. The aim is to provide new housing for those looking to base themselves in the town centre, including recent graduates from the University of Huddersfield, as other investment in the town centre makes Huddersfield a more attractive place to live.
Councillor Graham Turner, Cabinet Member for Finance & Regeneration, says: “Our plans to prepare Estate Buildings for future development are a great example of how regeneration projects will future-proof key parts of Huddersfield’s history and protect the heritage of the building which dates all the way back to the 1800’s.
“I want to thank One Public Estate for the investment which will go towards repairs to help bring the building back to life. This partnership working is key to developing and restoring our historic buildings for a vibrant future use.
“The investment is a vote of confidence in our Huddersfield Blueprint and supports our aim to making the town centre a great place to live, work and play.
“Developing the current site will support our blueprint plans of Huddersfield becoming a vibrant and convenient place to live for the younger generation, with plenty of facilities nearby for people to travel and shop – increasing the footfall within the town centre.”
