Kirklees Council has taken a step towards delivering the £250m Huddersfield Blueprint vision as it approves the transformation of the former Co-op building on New Street into student accommodation
Kirklees is working with SKA Developments to transform the former co-op building on New Street in Huddersfield Town Centre into student accommodation as part of the Huddersfield Blueprint.
The council has invested a significant financial loan to SKA Developments to make this scheme happen and to bring the long-derelict listed building, in a prominent location in the town, back to life.
It granted SKA Developments planning permission in April 2018 to renovate the building and to add a contemporary extension to the existing roof. The scheme is for student accommodation comprising 134 beds – these will be a mix of en-suite studios, clusters of rooms with communal facilities, and 1 and 2-bed apartments across 7 floors.
Councillor Peter Mcbride, cabinet member for regeneration, said: “The building which is located within the Huddersfield Town Centre Conservation Area at the corner of New Street and Queensgate (Huddersfield Ring Road) is currently in a poor condition which has a negative impact on this part of the town centre.
“The redevelopment of this historic building is an important step forward in delivering the first stage of the council’s Blueprint, and creates an exciting opportunity to bring the building back to life and into use – supporting our vision to create a thriving, modern-day town centre.
“We’re a council that delivers and this is further proof of our commitment to bringing the Blueprint vision to life.”
Zeb Pervaiz, director of SKA Developments said: “This project represents an extremely important chapter in the redevelopment of the town centre and it’s something we’re very excited to be leading. Our plans for the Co-op building will transform the site into an amazing space and bring a long-vacant location back into use, helping to create a vibrant town centre.
“Our experience and ambition within Huddersfield and Kirklees, such as our existing accommodation at Dundas Street and our plans for the Greater Waterfront Quarter, places us well to make a real success of this project and we look forward to announcing contractors soon, to get work started.”
