Decision due on revamp of town's Open Market

Planning permission for a proposed £16.5m redevelopment of Huddersfield's Victorian market could be granted by councillors later.

The scheme for the Grade II listed site has been recommended for approval by Kirklees Council planners, who said it would "transform" the site and surrounding area, mixing stalls like butchers and fishmongers with hot food sellers.

Councillors will be told the plans for the Open Market would act as a "catalyst" for growth in the north of the town centre and would "future proof" the market.

However, the council has received a total of 58 objections to the proposals on the authority's planning portal, with over 1,000 people also signing a letter against the revamp.

Under the plans, the redeveloped market would feature a traditional offering with fixed stalls for fresh produce, as well as over 70 removable stalls for market days, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

There would also be hot food vendors, a bar and a dedicated seating area, as well as an outdoor "market yard" with about 50 more removable stalls.

Proposals will also be considered by councillors for a temporary market place to be created while the regeneration work takes place.

However, concerns over the redevelopment of the building, which was built in 1887, have prompted several objections to Kirklees Council.

Trader Jeff Needham, of Phoenix Fairs, who runs the popular Huddersfield Auto Jumble event at the market, said he feared the effect the existing plans would have on the future of the business.

"The proposed plans give no realistic chance for the Auto Jumble to continue – even with the so-called temporary structure taken into account," he said.

"I am devastated. The reduction in stall space and the overall design mean the event cannot run in its current form – if at all.

"This building doesn't need gutting or redesigning. It needs basic care: a repaired roof, decent toilets and a lick of paint.

"For years that maintenance has been neglected, and yet, when people see the market for the first time, they are blown away – they take photos of the building as well as the event."

Needham said stallholders and customers travelled from all over the country to visit, adding: "They don't just come to the market – they spend money across the town. Why would the council want to drive that away?"

Campaigners have also argued that the council's proposed focus on food and drink would put the revamped market in direct competition with national supermarket chains and Huddersfield Cultural Heart's new food hall, which is due to open this summer.

Throughout the process, the council has defended its plans, with Graham Turner, cabinet member for finance and regeneration, previously saying: "Our markets aim to be family friendly, safe spaces which offer unique and personal shopping experiences.

"We want them to be a place full of opportunities to test ideas, eat, learn, be entertained and most importantly create a space that facilitates economic growth and support traders.

"Collaborating with the architects, we have developed plans to restore and improve the market to future proof it for generations to come.

"Huddersfield has and always will be a market town. These improvements will allow the market to continue being a key place for the people of Huddersfield to visit, and a space where local businesses can thrive for many more years to come."

The regeneration plans are due to go before the district-wide planning committee on Wednesday.

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