Council defends town's market plan amid criticism

A council has defended plans for a temporary market in Huddersfield which would be created while work to transform the town's wider site is carried out.

Following objections, plans for both the revamped market and the temporary site were deferred by Kirklees Council earlier this year.

Shoppers and traders had raised concerns about the authority's consultation with stall holders and members of the public over the proposals.

Councillor Graham Turner, cabinet member for growth and regeneration, said market teams were "talking to traders about the proposals throughout the process and they will keep on talking to them as plans and work progress".

The council said the temporary market, located close to the current site, would mean customers could carry on "supporting the livelihoods of traders" while the wider redevelopment took place.

It said the temporary site would have up to 37 indoor stalls and 29 outdoor stalls, located on land between the current market on Brook Street and the Tesco car park.

The authority said there would also be space for up to 28 additional stalls on Byram Street on busier market days.

It said it was impossible to keep the market hall open during regeneration work because of its age and the major repair work needed.

Turner said: "The temporary market plan has been carefully thought out with one main goal in mind - we want traders to be able to continue trading whilst we complete the regeneration work on the Grade II listed Huddersfield Market building."

"We know from talking to people how important it is to have a functioning market in the town throughout the development work."

Turner said the site that had been chosen was the largest open space available in the town centre and was closest to the market.

He added: "This location reduces the impact on traders and on shoppers who are already used to visiting the market in its current location."