A historic University of Huddersfield building is set to undergo refurbishment, with plans awaiting approval.
Facing onto Queensgate, the Grade II Listed Ramsden Building makes up part of the University of Huddersfield’s campus. The building was opened as the Huddersfield Technical School and Mechanics’ Institute 7 July 1883 by the Duke of Somerset, father-in-law of Sir John William Ramsden, after whom the building was named, a supporting document explains.
The institution was later renamed Huddersfield Technical College, and a major programme of expansion was instigated in 1896. Several decades later, the Technical College was renamed Huddersfield College of Technology in 1958, before becoming Huddersfield Polytechnic in 1970.
The building underwent a series of changes in the 1970s, with numerous fittings and fixtures replaced and refurbishments of the main entrance and roof covering. At this time, some of the windows and doors were blocked up, a new corridor created in the eastern end of the building and an additional floor added to the galleried lecture hall at the front of the building.
Now, more changes are on the way as the University wants to bring an International Study Centre, offices, meeting rooms and classrooms to the ground floor, and the International Office and space for postgraduate research to the first floor. The second floor would boast a PC lab and events space.
One of the application documents from Prospect Archaeology reads: “The proposed programme of refurbishment is necessary to modernise the facilities within this building. It provides an opportunity to reveal important architectural features that have been obscured or otherwise affected by alterations in the past, including the large lecture hall open to the roof structure in the western range, and original ceiling details.”
It later adds: “The proposed refurbishment of this building will, wherever possible, reveal and appreciate those historic elements of the historic fabric that have survived later use and refurbishment of the building. External alterations will be kept to an absolute minimum.”
A decision is due on the plans by 15 November, 2024.
