“Too many livelihoods depend on our market”, locals say, as almost 30 objections have been made in response to the council’s latest plans for Huddersfield.
Built in 1887, Huddersfield Market, is a Grade II* listed building loved for its decorative cast-iron frame, striking glass roof, and historic character. Kirklees Council secured £16.5m from the government’s Levelling Up Fund to give the premises a new lease of life but not everybody is on board with the plans as they stand.
If planning permission is secured, the new market hall will feature a mix of fixed stalls for traditional market favourites such as fresh produce, butchers, fishmongers, delis, and cheese counters, as well as over 70 demountable stalls for market days, allowing flexible layouts and a range of events to take place.
There will also be hot food vendors, a bar, and a dedicated seating area, to encourage those visiting to stay longer. The building will open more days each week and for longer hours than the current arrangements, with an emphasis placed on accessibility.
Outside, the new Market Yard will provide space for around 50 demountable stalls, with additional capacity for more on busy days creating an area for outdoor trading and events. The regeneration will also include essential repairs and restoration – bringing back its original colour scheme of traditional reds, pinks, and creams.
The plans were submitted back in August, with public consultation kicking off on September 12. Since then, 29 comments have been sent to the council, 28 of which are in objection, and one a general comment.
One person commented: “The proposed application would mean that too many stall spaces for the market would be removed, rendering it useless for what it is intended. I enjoy the Saturday markets and the auto-jumbles held here, and I am concerned that these would not be hosted here to the same extent, driving away customers who would otherwise visit.”
Another said: “The market provides a livelihood to many and a reason for people to come into town from both local and further afield. The autojumble is a great example of this as is Saturday’s morning market; both of which I have attended for 10+ years every single week.
“For what it’s worth, I think the market brings people into town from my side of HD8 who would otherwise go into Wakefield or Barnsley. The market brings in many other vintage collectors from Leeds, Bradford and York. I see them every week and we compare our finds; it then leads to grabbing the week’s shop at Tesco and any other bits needed in town.
“Making the market unfeasible for the autojumble for example would genuinely cause hardship to some of the traders who rely on that space. I don’t doubt Saturday market traders would say the same. Please rethink this decision. Too many livelihoods depend on our market.”
Concern has also been raised that those living outside of Kirklees who visit the market have been unable to comment on the plans using the form on the planning portal. Instead, people report having to email the council or send their comments by post which they say is not obvious.
Councillor Graham Turner, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Finance said previously: “Our markets aim to be family friendly, safe spaces which offer unique and personal shopping experiences. We want them to be a place full of opportunities to test ideas, eat, learn, be entertained and most importantly create a space that facilitates economic growth and support traders.
“Collaborating with the architects, we have developed plans to restore and improve the market to future proof it for generations to come. Huddersfield has and always will be a market town, these improvements will allow the market to continue being a key place for the people of Huddersfield to visit, and a space where local businesses can thrive for many more years to come.”
