‘Jobs bonanza’ waterfront plan to breathe new life into town

Yorkshire business leaders were in Huddersfield yesterday for the launch of commercial development land at The Waterfront, which aims to breathe new life into the town.

A recent multi-million pound refurbishment of the canal and the creation of a brand new lock, together with landscaping, have already taken place and it is planned that the site will be used to provide office space, car parking, leisure and retail opportunities.

Coun Mehboob Khan, leader of Kirklees Council, speaking about the plans for the 1.2 hectare site, said it had the potential to create up to 1,000 jobs.

He said: “Together with our partners, we have made a significant commitment and investment here at The Waterfront Huddersfield, because we believe the town has a major part to play in the economic future of the wider region.

“Once complete, this development not only has the potential to sustain up to 1,000 jobs for local people, but will also provide a platform for business which complements and is a viable alternative to city centre operations.”

The development has outline planning permission for over 18,000sq m of office space and is one of the largest projects of its kind currently underway in the North of England.

The Waterfront forms part of the major Waterfront Quarter regeneration scheme, a site of three hectares, which also includes a new campus for Kirklees College, opening this year, and land with outline planning consent for 309 apartments.

A section of the Huddersfield Narrow Canal, which previously ran in a tunnel through the site, has been unveiled and a new lock, a landing stage and passing place for boats have been built.

The improved canal will form the centrepiece of future commercial development at The Waterfront.

Among those speaking at the launch event yesterday was Neil McLean, chair of the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership – the organisation leading discussions about investment and the economy across the region.

Coun Khan added yesterday: “I am delighted that we have the support of Neil McLean today, which goes to prove that in terms of our contribution to the regional economy, Huddersfield continues to offer something different, and has the pot- ential to punch well above its weight.”

Delegates attending yesterday’s event were among the first narrow boat passengers to take a trip through the newly unveiled canal and lock, which is set to become the centrepiece of a public square which will grace the development on completion.

The waterfront site is close to Huddersfield town centre and was once home to Sellers Engineers Ltd, which has relocated to a new factory.

Marketed by agents GVA on behalf of Kirklees Council, Matthew Tootell, director of national markets at the company, said: “The development has already attracted significant enquiries from a range of interested parties, with scope across the scheme for a range of uses including offices, hotel accommodation, leisure, retail and car parking.

“The development already has its first occupant in Kirklees College, and is a neighbour to the very successful and fully-let Folly Hall.

“The fact that there is an existing community right on the doorstep, together with the high quality public areas planned to take full advantage of the waterside location, make the site a particularly attractive development proposition.”

The Waterfront has already secured outline planning permission for 18,100sq m of office space, together with 390sq m of retailing, a 280sq m creche, and 233 parking spaces.

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