A community interest company is to take over the running of Holmfirth Market – and a new location is to be sought.

Kirklees Council announced in 2018 the existing market was “no longer financially viable” though it would continue to run it until a new operator was found.

The council sought expressions of interest earlier this year and now a licence to run the market has been issued to Holmfirth Forward.

Kirklees Council has plans to demolish the existing market hall and extend the Huddersfield Road car park and create a new public events space.

It is part of a wider scheme described by council leader Shabir Pandor as a “re-purposing” of the town centre.

Market traders will be introduced to the new operator in the New Year as the search begins for a suitable new location.

READ MORE: What Clr Pandor said about ‘re-purposing’ Holmfirth town centre

Clr Will Simpson, the council’s Cabinet member for culture and greener Kirklees, said: “The awarding of the market licence is excellent news and will help provide some security to the future of a market in Holmfirth for existing traders and residents.

“Continuing to have a market in Holmfirth, which proudly considers itself to be a market town, will contribute to the overall retail offer to both residents and visitors.

“The market should act as driver to increase footfall across the town so all businesses can benefit, alongside opportunities for local artists and performers to showcase their work.

“Support from traders and residents will be imperative to the success of the market moving forward and I firmly believe it will get the full support from the people of Holmfirth and surrounding areas.”

Holmfirth Market

Michael Bell, of Holmfirth Forward’s Market Team, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded the licence for Holmfirth Market. We have worked closely with local organisations and businesses as well as local residents to develop our vision for the market.

“We know there has been considerable concern about the future of the market and want to create a modern market as this is key to the vitality and viability of a town centre.

“We want to build on the market tradition of Holmfirth and are very grateful for the support we have received from the National Market Traders Federation and Joe Barrett of the Teenage Market.

READ MORE: Traders in Holmfirth battling to save their businesses

“We will use our diverse experience and by working along with other markets and traders in Kirklees, we will create a fresh and attractive offer for local people and visitors to the town.

“We believe Holmfirth has a bright future. A lot of change is ahead and Covid means there are many challenges facing Holmfirth Market and the existing businesses but with collaboration and with the support of Kirklees Council, we think we can come through successfully and build a thriving modern market that will bring more people to the town.”