The £16.5 million plans to transform Huddersfield Open Market look set to go ahead after Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed funding in this week’s Budget.
Under plans revealed by Kirklees Council in the summer the existing market hall is to be revamped to include an events space with stage and big screen while an outdoor area called Market Yard will be created in Brook Street with stalls and permanent retail units.
Also approved in the Budget were plans to improve the Penistone Line rail link which runs through Lockwood, Berry Brow, Honley, Brockholes, Shepley, Stocksmoor and Denby Dale.
Track and station upgrades will lead to improved performance and reliability for train services between Huddersfield, Barnsley and Sheffield. There’s currently just one train an hour on the northern line.
Huddersfield MP Harpreet Uppal and Colne Valley MP Paul Davies jointly welcomed what they described as “transformative funding” for Huddersfield.
They said they’d worked directly with ministers to secure funding for the market and added: “This investment will support local businesses, create jobs and encourage more foot traffic, enhancing Huddersfield’s economy and community vitality.”
Huddersfield Open Market – read more about the latest plans for the market HERE.
Funding for the Penistone Line would address “long-standing issues that have plagued the service” such as inadequate infrastructure, overcrowded trains, long journey times and service gaps, impacting commuters and those who rely on public transport.
The investment, secured by previous Tory MPs Jason McCartney (Colne Valley) and Mark Eastwood (Dewsbury), was valued at £48 million and Ms Uppal and Mr Davies said the Labour government’s “fully-funded upgrade offers certainty and relief for communities that rely on the line for affordable, sustainable transport options.”
The Budget also confirmed continuing funding for the multi-billion TransPennine Route Upgrade, which is well underway.
In a joint statement, Ms Uppal and Mr Davies said: “These historic investments are a victory for our region, securing better, faster and more reliable transport options; revitalising our local economy.
“The upgrades to the Penistone Line, Huddersfield Open Market and the TransPennine Route Upgrade will bring significant, long-term benefits to our communities, enhancing access to jobs, reducing travel times and promoting sustainable growth.
“This Budget marks a new chapter for Huddersfield and Colne Valley, and we’re proud to see our efforts pay off with commitments that will uplift our communities and transform our region.”
Transformed Huddersfield Open Market to be less ‘food hall’ and more business incubator