Chairman’s news update: February 2021

HCS still has concerns over redevelopment of the former Kirklees College site. Photo by @andyhirstpr.

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​Events

7.00pm Tuesday, March 2: Joint HCS/University of Huddersfield Annual Lecture.

‘How do we regenerate and attract people to towns like Huddersfield?’ will be the theme of an online presentation by Nathan Cornish, Group Board Director of the award-winning regeneration company Urban Splash.

​Full details including how to book to join this event for free via Zoom on the story below this news update.


7.00pm Tuesday, March 30: Huddersfield Civic Society AGM.

If you would be interested in becoming an HCS Trustee and joining our committee please contact me. We are always keen to have new blood to support our many initiatives.
Agenda, minutes of the 2020 AGM, Annual Accounts and Chairman’s Report will be sent out in mid-March.

7.00pm Tuesday, April 20: New Manchester Buildings – the good, the average and the ugly.

A zoom tour with Jonathan Schofield.

Booking details to follow.

 
Mid May: HCS Workshop: Residential Development.

​Details to follow.

Planning Matters

Castle Hill

Further to the HCS request for the application to be called in no decision has yet been made by the Secretary of State and we understand the application is ‘stuck in the system’. This is of concern since the lack of momentum may imply limited recognition of the considerable opposition to the proposals.

Following extensive pressure and consultation, Kirklees Council is to install a night barrier at the base of the Castle Hill access road. Thanks to our Committee Secretary, Martin Kilburn, who also chairs Castle Hill Civic Associates, for co-ordinating both the call in of the application development and pressing for the urgent installation of the barrier.

Former Kirklees College site

An application for the re-development of this site, which includes the grade 2* former Huddersfield Infirmary and other listed buildings was submitted in 2018. Major concerns were voiced by HCS (see HCS web site ‘Planning’) and many others raised concerns about aspects of the development, including the Georgian Society and Historic England, the public body charged with the responsibility for protecting historic buildings. Major amendments have been made to the initial application and, importantly, listed buildings adjacent to the Infirmary are now to be retained.

The application is now to be considered by Kirklees Council’s Strategic Planning Committee on 24 February.

There remain a number of concerns. Firstly, the impact of new buildings adjoining the Conservation Area along the northern site boundary. The officer’s report states: “The outline part of the site to the north does not include details of appearance. The visual material submitted with the application is for indicative purposes only.” It is to be hoped that there will be careful consideration of these concerns when details are submitted. 

Secondly, it is critical that any approval includes conditions with regard to the phasing of development. It is imperative that, given the length of time these historic building have been left to deteriorate, they are dealt with as a matter of priority. It would be unacceptable to discover that elements of the new build are prioritised, delaying restoration of the listed structures or that they are left vacant and abandoned should the developer be unable to complete the whole redevelopment. 
 
Without knowing how this development may proceed if approved, Kirklees Council must ensure that every effort is made to prevent further deterioration and vandalism to the Infirmary and other listed buildings on the site. 

High Streets Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) Cultural Programme

The bid to Historic England for financial support towards cultural activities around the HAZ and town centre has now been submitted. Those elements relating to the Discover Huddersfield programme include new trails covering Irish and South Asian heritage, textiles and a major revision of the University Campus Trail.

Streetscape Improvements - St Peter’s Gardens

As a further element of the town centre Blueprint, initial ideas are being developed regarding the upgrading of St Peter’s Gardens. Although the society supported the restoration and improvement work to St Peter’s Parish Church (winning the HCS Design Award in 2014), concern had been voiced about the creation of a car parking area for church use. This received planning permission in autumn 2020.

I have liaised with the recently appointed vicar of Huddersfield, the Revd Canon Rachel Firth, and myself and colleague Sylvia Johnson were pleased to discuss initial thoughts with KC landscape architect Isabel Whitworth. A steering committee of interested parties is now being established.
 
Transport Matters

Collaborative working between HCS and Huddersfield Unlimited, chaired by Sir John Harman, has developed further through a “transport and connectivity working group” which will consider and promote the case for improved transport and broader connectivity to help underpin the future success of the town, seeking to work with other like-minded groups in and around Huddersfield and, where there is shared interest, in the wider sub region and the north.

The working group will focus on a number of themes led by an overview: Long term connectivity and transport needs of the town. The themes are: rail strategy; cycling and walking strategy; roads, parking and policy; bus and mass transit strategy.

Website (www.huddersfieldcivicsociety.org.uk)

As mentioned in previous updates, Robert Cockroft, who has developed the HCS web site into an outstanding example of its kind, is soon to step down.

However, I am delighted to announce that Andy Hirst, former Head of Content at the Examiner will be replacing Robert as our Website Editor on March 1. Andy, a corporate member of the society, now has his own PR business (https://ah-pr.com/) and has recently supported the launch of a Huddersfield news website - http://www.huddersfieldhub.co.uk/.
 
Membership Renewals

Thanks to all those who have paid their annual subs. For those who have still to pay please forward your cheque (payable to Huddersfield Civic Society) to our Treasurer:
Michael Barron – 11 Prestwich Drive, Fixby Park, Huddersfield, HD2 2NU;    
Or: Bank Payment- Sort Code: 20-43-04, Account no. 50525022 (Please use your surname and postcode as reference.)
 
Should you wish to comment on any of the above matters please let us know.
 
Best Wishes
 
David Wyles, Chairman

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