Council chiefs say work is continuing apace on the ambitious £250 million Huddersfield Blueprint as Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin was shown around the town centre.

Kirklees Council still won’t reveal the identity of the “mystery” building it is in negotiations to buy as another prime piece of real estate, Ramsden House, goes on the market for £2 million. Read more about what we know HERE.

Demolition work has been completed on the Market Hall multi-storey car park and scaffolding has gone up around the George Hotel after asbestos was removed from inside.

The council’s Cabinet wants to purchase a strategic building in the so-called Cultural Heart – near Queensgate Market and the Piazza – but won’t disclose any further details until a deal is completed.

Clr Peter McBride, Cabinet member for regeneration, said: “We are pleased that the demolition of the car park is complete. Work will soon begin to convert the site into a temporary car park that will be open in the autumn.

A view of the demolition of the Market Hall car park. Pic: Kirklees Council

“We are not yet in a position to update on the strategic purchase of a town centre building. Similarly, we don’t have a position on Ramsden House at this time but we will work closely with the successful purchaser to make sure that plans for the building are in line with and complement our ambitious Blueprint vision for Huddersfield.”

READ MORE: This is what’s planned for the demolished Market Hall car park

Meanwhile, on Friday Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin walked round the town centre with council leader Shabir Pandor and chief executive Jacqui Gedman.

There are 24 core Blueprint projects currently underway, at various stages with town centre living, public realm, major transport and leisure projects in the mix.

Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin

The council has identified a number of core values that will be an integral part of the planning and delivery of the Blueprint and are committed to the town centre being a family-friendly, vibrant and inclusive place for visitors, businesses and residents alike.

Clr Pandor said: “We are committed to making Huddersfield town centre a vibrant and thriving place to live, work and visit. Our Blueprint plans are rightly ambitious and we are already making great progress in delivering our vision.

“Our 10-year Huddersfield Blueprint plans will support our local economy to thrive in the modern day and will improve our town centre’s offer for visitors. I’m really pleased to have shared them with Mayor Brabin and delighted she believes in our plans.”

A view of the demolition of the Market Hall car park. Pic: Kirklees Council

Ms Brabin added: “It’s been brilliant to be shown around Huddersfield town centre and to see for myself the ambitious transformation Kirklees Council is delivering for the area.

“These plans have local residents, businesses and a thriving economy at their heart and it is really exciting to see many of these plans already coming to life.

“I am pleased to offer my support and welcome this regeneration vision which will be a huge benefit to the people of Kirklees and the whole of West Yorkshire.”