Huddersfield: New images show how 60-room hotel could look

Valora Estates hopes to transform the once-popular club at Trinity Street into the ‘OCTA Hub’ – named after the distinctive octagonal feature making up part of the property. According to the supporting Design and Access Statement drawn up by Jade3 Architecture, the hub would be “far more than a traditional building conversion”, but rather a “destination” combining: a food hall; 60-room boutique hotel; rooftop sky restaurant; event spaces; café; and public terraces.

New glazed shopfronts would be installed at ground level giving passers by a look into the food court. Hotel accommodation would be provided on the upper floors. Sitting above would be the sky restaurant, alongside external terraces offering panoramic views across Huddersfield. An scenic lift would be constructed on the outside of the building, taking visitors from the ground floor arrival space to the upper hospitality areas.

To make way for the development, the centre’s existing pitched roof would be removed, with two new floors to be added. The current mezzanine floor would be part-extended to create a space for more hotel bedrooms. Four car parking spaces are also proposed as part of the plans, including one accessible bay. The application highlights the property’s close proximity to public transport links and town centre location.

The Design and Access statement concludes: “The design vision is to establish a landmark hospitality destination that contributes positively to the economic, social and cultural life of Huddersfield. By encouraging increased footfall, supporting local businesses, creating employment opportunities and introducing new leisure experiences, the development has the potential to become an important catalyst for wider town centre investment and confidence.

“The resulting scheme delivers a balanced combination of heritage retention, architectural enhancement, commercial sustainability and placemaking. It represents a bold yet sensitive proposal that will secure the long-term future of the building whilst creating a distinctive destination that can be enjoyed by residents, visitors and future generations alike.”

Two public comments have been made since the application was put forward last month, one of which coming from the Huddersfield Civic Society which has written in support. They said: “We would like to congratulate Jade3 Architecture for what initially appears to be a well thought out, and attractive design. We are all aware of the existing lack of hotel accommodation within the town centre, and this application makes great use of a well recognised building lying sadly empty at the moment.”

The former St Patrick’s Centre had historically been at the heart of Huddersfield’s Catholic community, serving as a community centre, while more recently being utilised as a social club, dance studio and venue. In 2023, the club had to shut down due to financial struggles and was ultimately repossessed by its owner, the Diocese of Leeds. Plans were previously submitted by Reformed Baptist church – ‘Hope Church’ – to transform the centre into its new place of worship but were not progressed after securing council approval.

Due to the club being vacant for an “extended period”, the current application argues that there is a risk of the building falling into “further disrepair” and becoming a “long-term liability” if action isn’t taken soon.

A council decision on the plans is due to be made by January 20, 2027.