Council spending £95,000 to shed light on historic square

Senior councillors will be asked later this month to approve proposals to light buildings in St George’s Square.

The report recommends low-voltage lighting is installed at Britannia Buildings, Lion Chambers and The George Hotel, complementing an earlier revamp of St George’s Square.

The scheme will cost £95,000, and if approved by members of Kirklees Council’s cabinet committee on August 28, work could begin on the project sometime later this year.

Council officers say they have spent time consulting with building owners and heritage professionals, to ensure that a cost-effective solution is found, but which minimises the impact of the equipment installed on the listed buildings.

Coun Peter McBride, Kirklees Council’s cabinet member for regeneration said: “Light units have been chosen for their subtlety and will not look out of place on the exterior of the buildings, and running costs are expected to be just £400 each year.

“St George’s Square and the buildings which surround it are the jewels in Huddersfield’s crown.”

The councillor said installing the new lights would “focus attention on our impressive architectural legacy,” while at the same time creating a gateway for the town.

“I see this as a strategic investment in the very fabric of Huddersfield, which I hope will encourage neighbouring property owners to invest, and stimulate interest from new tenants,” Coun McBride added.