Preparation work has started ahead of plans for new residential developments in Huddersfield town centre – with restoration work to the historic Estate Buildings, adjacent to St. George’s Square.
As part of the Huddersfield Blueprint – the ambitious ten-year plan to create a thriving, modern-day town centre – Kirklees Council plan to bring about more residential development for Huddersfield. The aim is to deliver a variety of new homes, including making best use of some of Huddersfield’s beautiful heritage buildings.
The end results of this work will be to bring much-needed housing to the district, including properties to buy and rent, and a range of affordable homes. The new developments will also link closely to the wider Blueprint vision, giving disused buildings a new purpose and linking well with proposals for enhanced public spaces.
The Estate Buildings are already owned by the council and well-placed to support the overall vision of the Blueprint, along with the neighbouring Somerset Buildings which are also planned for residential development. New residents living in the town centre will help to support retail businesses and help nurture the culture, arts and leisure developments within the town centre.
This initial work will cover essential repairs and restoration of the historic features needed within the Grade II Listed Estate Buildings, to make sure the building will be fit for residential development within the planned timeline. Important repairs to the roof of the historic Byram Arcade will also take place.
This work is being partially funded by money allocated to the Heritage Action Zone (HAZ) surrounding St. George’s Square.
The council are also working closely with strategic partner, Thirteen Group, on detailed proposals for the development of the Estate and Somerset Buildings.
The repairs and restoration work are expected to be completed in autumn 2023.
For the duration of the works, there will be road closures on Station Street and a new redirected road layout on St. Peter’s Street. Businesses in Byram Arcade and on Station Street will remain open and trading as normal, with access via the public footpaths.
Councillor Graham Turner, cabinet member for growth & regeneration, says: “These works will pave the way for us to breathe new life into one of Huddersfield’s beautiful historic buildings. While the Blueprint is all about taking Huddersfield into the future, it’s also about future-proofing the town’s heritage and making the most of what’s already here.
“There’s a huge need for quality, affordable homes right now, and we want to find more innovative ways to provide not just new homes but vibrant, welcoming communities.
“This is the start of a journey which will see these buildings transformed, and the creation of beautiful new homes befitting our big plans for Huddersfield town centre. The repurposing of these buildings into quality homes for our residents will breathe new life and bring a vibrancy to our town centre, ensuring that these historically important buildings have a secure future for the next generation to enjoy. The historical significance of their past life will remain a part of the story of Huddersfield.”
