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CIVIC SOCIETY NEWS

Senior council officer gives update to HCS members on Huddersfield Blueprint

17/10/2019

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Karl Battersby, senior Kirklees Council OfficerKarl Battersby
By David Wyles

Karl Battersby presented an update on the Huddersfield Blueprint document to 40 HCS members and guests. The talk coincided with the end of a three month public consultation period which has included detailed comments made by HCS.

Karl,  Kirklees Council's Strategic Director, Economy and Infrastructure, outlined complementary work already initiated or imminent, including:
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  • First phase streetscape improvements on Half Moon Street and adjacent streets
  • Success in first phase bids to central government for High Street Heritage funds
  • Start of a shop front improvement scheme and grants on John William Street
  • Expected start by Ska Developments on the Co-op extension on New Street
  • Improvements to New Street, proposals for which would be considered by KC Cabinet in the next week (see below)

Following a summary of the Blueprint's key proposals, a range of pertinent issues and questions were raised.

These focused primarily on transport issues, the station and connections to the warehouse and adjacent land and aspirations relating to the Council's purchase of the Piazza and viability of some of the proposals.

​Some felt that the Blueprint proposals were being taken too literally by the public,

Accepting the fine balance between keeping traffic flowing around the ring road whilst improving pedestrian movements across Queensgate, there was concern about weaknesses in the cycle network although support for Cloth Hall Street proposals. 

Equal emphasis was placed on the need to retain multi-storey parking at Alfred Street while recognising structural issues with the existing car park. 

Questions relating to the future of the servicing area beneath the Piazza clearly have to be resolved, while some felt that while the need to demolish the 'Berlin Wall' and connect the Cultural Quarter through landscaping, the use of the service area and its potential for parking should be considered. 

The viability and ongoing costs relating to the Music Venue were questioned although integration of commercial food outlets and children's play facilities in a more informal re-purposing of Queensgate Market were suggested.

Karl again emphasised the critical inks between St. George's Square and railway warehouse and adjacent land and liaison with Network Rail regarding upgrading of the line. 

The council had considered purchase of the George Hotel given its iconic status (the HCS committee has fully supported recent proposals but is wary of council purchasing, and managing such a building when the key to its viability is the link under the railway).

Images were also displayed of possible redevelopment of the Post Office Sorting Office site.

Finally, a question about town centre yards reflected concerns/ opportunities raised by HCS committee and raised with Karl and his team, particularly in relation to Imperial Arcade and surrounding buildings and land much of which is vacant or derelict.

Action needs to be taken to bring owners together to seek the regeneration of this area for mixed use, including residential accommodation.

HCS President, Bernard Ainsworth, thanked Karl for his update and willingness to work closely with the society.

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Walking trail reveals Birkby's vibrant past

12/10/2019

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t John's Church, Birkby, featured on a new guided trail.
A guided trail around Birkby, outlining a rich and varied history dating from medieval times to the present day, has been produced by the Discover Huddersfield partnership. 

It features a range of important buildings from the 16th century Bay Hall to St John’s Church, designed by one of England’s most celebrated architects, William Butterfield.

The trail, which also takes in sites associated with some of Huddersfield’s most celebrated industries including Hopkinsons and Ben Shaws, explores how Birkby grew from a small hamlet to a thriving suburb with all the amenities of a small town.


Written by Kirklees library staff and local residents, Lorna Brooks and Frank Grombir, the trail is one of 16 available free of charge from local information points and libraries, produced by the partnership.

A guided walk, based on the trail and lasting 1.5 – 2 hours,  is scheduled to start from St John’s Church at 2.30pm on Sunday, October 27 with a charge of £3 per person. No booking is required. 

Details of other trails and the 2019 programme of Discover Huddersfield walks can be obtained here. Please click below to see the Birkby trail.

birkby_trail.pdf
File Size: 358 kb
File Type: pdf
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    Victoria Tower, Castle Hill  picture by Vinny Tyrell

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