Kirklees Council has approved proposals to appoint a development partner to support the redevelopment of the Estate Buildings.
In May, Cabinet approved plans to spend £1.25m of One Public Estate Brownfield Land Release funding to prepare the Grade ll Listed building, which is a key project in the Huddersfield Blueprint, for redevelopment. Now, in taking the next steps to secure a development partner, the council can move forward with plans to create high-quality housing in Huddersfield town centre.
This summer, the council will start work to bring new life to the building whilst retaining its heritage features. Work will be focused internally and include stripping out the building, removing asbestos and treating and rectifying where there has been any dry rot.
The Grade ll Listed Estate Buildings dates back to the late 1800s and was designed by renowned Huddersfield architect, W.H Crossland.
The entrance hall, staircase and first-floor waiting rooms once wowed visitors with its use of wall panelling, decorative stained glass and intricately carved fireplaces. Many of these features will be retained to showcase the history of the building in the next stage of the redevelopment.
Councillor Graham Turner, Cabinet Member for Finance and Regeneration, said: “I’m excited to see works starting on the Estate Buildings to prepare the building for the future development of high-quality housing within the town centre.
“Having support from a development partner is crucial for the project and will make sure we can carry out further restoration works to this important and beautiful building.
“Bringing this heritage building back to life for people to live in is a vital part of our blueprint vision within Huddersfield to create a vibrant place to live, work and play, and future-proofing the town for many generations to come. I hope this is the first of many projects that will see more people living in the town centre.”
