Calls have been made for closer scrutiny of Kirklees Council’s regeneration strategy following concerns over the management of Huddersfield’s new Food Hall and the wider risks associated with the authority’s ‘Blueprint’ approach to town centre development.
The issue was raised at Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee of the municipal year was held on 3 July at Huddersfield Town Hall, where questions were raised over the previous administration’s way of working, branded a ‘Blueprint’ approach towards town centres.
Kirklees Council’s ‘Blueprint’ approach aims to create long-term masterplans for each of the district’s town centres, bringing together investment, regeneration and development projects under a single strategy.
However, critics argue the model carries significant risks and should be subject to greater scrutiny.
During public questions, resident Andy Wilson highlighted the recent decision for Kirklees Council to directly operate Huddersfield’s new Food Hall in the former Queensgate Market building after efforts to secure a commercial operator failed.
Despite previously prioritising an external operator, the council was unable to attract interest, even after offering financial incentives and a lease package intended to make the venture more attractive.
Just two days before May’s all-out local elections, council managers abandoned the long-standing plan and announced the authority would run the Food Hall itself.
Mr Wilson told the committee the move had transferred the financial risks and long-term responsibilities of the project to the newly elected council.
He said: “The wider issue is not whether the Food Hall will succeed. The question is how did we end up in this situation?
“The history of the Food Hall is perhaps a glaring example of the risks of the previous administration’s Blueprint approach to town centres.”
Mr Wilson urged councillors to establish an ad-hoc scrutiny committee to examine the Blueprint model and assess whether alternative approaches should be considered.
He called for a review that would gather evidence from a range of voices, including residents, businesses and independent experts, rather than relying solely on reports prepared by council officers and consultants.
Mr Wilson added: “Will you use your authority to hear evidence from a range of people and opinions and then use that evidence to advise the council and the people who live in our district about the options available for the future of our town centres?”
Responding to the request, committee chair Cllr Simon Holbrook said he would seek further information and discuss the proposal with committee members before deciding whether it should be added to the scrutiny work programme.
He said any decision would take into account the value of undertaking such a review alongside other priorities facing the committee.
The debate comes as work continues on the Food Hall project, which remains part of Kirklees Council’s wider Cultural Heart regeneration programme.
According to the council, the current timetable would see the venue open in spring 2027.
