A new use has been proposed for the former KFC in Huddersfield town centre, with plans awaiting a decision from Kirklees Council.
In January, the fast food giant left its premises at Huddersfield New Street for good, dealing another blow to the town centre. Around the same time, a number of businesses including Brew Dog, The Slug and Lettuce and Footasylum closed, and others like Next and Beaverbrooks announced their closures in quick succession.
As plans have emerged and new businesses set up shop, these gaps in the high street are gradually being filled. The latest application seeks to turn the former KFC into a 24-hour adult gaming centre. These plans from the Luxury Leisure Group – which trades as Admiral among other brands – are concerned with establishing the principle of the building taking on this new use, with further documents to come, should permission be granted.
In the application’s Heritage Assessment, the group is described as a “market leading provider” of gaming and entertainment venues, with over 280 high street and seaside gaming venues in the UK. It adds: “The Group employs over 3000 staff in the UK and accounts for 22.5 per cent of the UK adult gaming centre market such that it is a highly experienced responsible operator in this market.”
The gaming centre would be located on the ground floor only. The ground and first floors of the building were previously used by KFC, with the second floor used as storage.
According to the applicant, its gaming centres have “no harmful impact” on retail activity. On top of this, it says there will be no noisy amusement arcade equipment which would attract under 18s, with under 18s excluded from town centre adult gaming centres. The document continues: “There are no adverse impacts and there is no evidence of any anti-social behaviour being exacerbated by such uses.
“There is no audible trading noise break-out through the premises shopfront even excluding the masking effects of levels of existing ambient noise in the area. The proposed 24-hour use will ensure footfall to the town centre.”
With the building having Grade II Listed status, Listed Building Consent will need to be secured down the line. It is understood that the block of buildings was built in the late nineteenth century.
The former KFC building was a later addition and previously the site of the original Boot and Shoe Inn which dates from the early nineteenth century, according to the applicant’s Heritage Assessment. This is commemorated with an ornamental relief stating ‘Boot and Shoe Hotel’ still visible above the KFC fascia panel.
A decision on the current application is expected by 1 October, 2025.
