Decision on £16.5m town market revamp deferred

A decision on a £16.5m plan to redevelop Huddersfield's Victorian market has been deferred.

Under the plans, the Grade II listed Open Market would feature a traditional offering with fixed stalls for fresh produce, as well as over 70 removable stalls for market days.

But at a council meeting on Thursday, traders and shoppers gathered to speak out against the proposals, voicing concerns over the scale of the development, which some feared could undermine the market.

Kirklees councillors unanimously voted to defer the application, agreeing that while some improvements were needed, traders and the public should have a greater say in shaping the plans.

The scheme for the building, which was constructed in 1887, would include hot food vendors, a bar and a dedicated seating area, as well as an outdoor "market yard" with about 50 more removable stalls.

The council had envisaged that a temporary market, on land adjacent to the existing market in Brook Street, would accommodate traders during the construction period.

A second application for the temporary site was also deferred, the Local Democracy Service reports.

So far, over 1,000 people have signed a letter opposing the council's plans, calling for the authority to pursue a co-design process with traders, market-goers and other interested parties.

One speaker, Alex Metrick, told Thursday's hearing that the plans would "cause damage" to traders and the town, and it would "more or less kill one of the UK's best markets".

Metrick said: "All we ask is that you reject this application in its current form and come back to us – the people out there on the battlefield – and work with us to come up with something that will suit everybody."

Meanwhile, Jeff Needham, who runs Huddersfield Auto Jumble, said the market did not need "radical redesign".

"It needs basic care, a repaired roof, better toilets, paint and proper maintenance," he said.

Speaking in favour of the plans, Jamie Nalson, Kirklees Council's head of service for culture and tourism, said that when 1,000 residents were consulted, 70% were in support of the plan.

Nalson said the scheme was an opportunity to improve shoppers' experience and "create a special place".

"We cannot stand still and do nothing," he said.

"Without shoppers there will be no market, and therefore the traders will no longer be able to do business."

At the meeting, Liberal Democrat councillor Paola Davies warned the proposal for the redevelopment may be "too much all at once".

"We're in danger of being blinded by having such funds – £16.5m – to spend all at once that we've gone, 'wow, we need to redevelop it, rebuild it, redo it'," she said.

The redevelopment is funded by the government's Levelling Up Fund and must be completed by 31 March 2028 under the funding conditions.

The plans were deferred by councillors for several reasons, including so that "comprehensive, appropriate consultation" could be carried out, where the council would work directly with traders to refine the plans.

The deferral would also allow further discussion around the temporary market arrangements and for additional documents and information to be provided, the meeting was told.

Councillor Graham Turner, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Finance said:

"We will take on board the feedback from traders and members of the planning committee. Our ambition has always been to strengthen the traditional market qualities and make Huddersfield Market a focal point of regeneration in the town centre.

"We will now take steps to engage further with traders so we can move forward with the regeneration of the historic building so it meets the demands of a modern market, and we can secure its long-term future."

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