We have taken our first step towards delivering The Huddersfield Blueprint after striking a deal with the owners of the Piazza Shopping Centre to purchase it.
What is the blueprint?
The Huddersfield Blueprint was successfully launched at an event at the Lawrence Batley Theatre on Wednesday 26 June.
The plans look to deliver five key objectives for Huddersfield Town Centre: a vibrant culture, art, leisure and nightlife offer, thriving businesses, a great place to live, improved access and enhanced public spaces.
What is the Cultural Heart?
Our vision for a new Cultural Heart, built around the Queensgate Market and library building includes; a library, art gallery, museum and live music venue in the Piazza and Queensgate area.
What are our plans?
As part of the new Cultural Heart, the plans propose to remove buildings in the Piazza area to create a large, family-friendly open space for people to gather. The council acquired the Piazza on 14 June.
Cllr Shabir Pandor, Leader of Kirklees Council, said:
“This shows how serious we are about bringing this ambitious vision to life. The work in delivering this starts now. This step forward is a signal of intent and shows that we are a council that delivers.
Current tenants have been informed and the council will continue to work closely with them to ensure they are part of our future plans.
Given how much people’s shopping habits have radically changed, the challenge for every high street, including Huddersfield’s, is to develop a different kind of offer to encourage more people into town centres. This means having culture and leisure offers such as theatre, cinema, art and live music.”
Cllr McBride, Deputy Leader of Kirklees Council and Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said:
“The Huddersfield Blueprint is our vision for the future of the town centre but we want local people to help us shape it. Please take the time to see the plans in full and take part in our consultation when we launch it.
We’re ambitious for Huddersfield Town Centre and for the whole of Kirklees and planning is underway to regenerate our other town centres.”
How can I get involved?
The plans are subject to a three-month consultation and engagement period which will begin on Monday 8 July. Residents can view the plans at the Blueprint shop at Unit 32, the Piazza Centre, Huddersfield from 8 July. The shop will be open Monday-Friday between 9am and 5pm.
For more information, to view the plans in full and to watch a fly-through video visit www.kirklees.gov.uk/HuddersfieldBlueprint – where you’ll also be able to share your thoughts on the plans from Monday 8 July.