One of Huddersfield’s most historic and distinctive buildings is set to undergo a careful restoration and refurbishment.

The Ramsden Building in Queensgate – part of the University of Huddersfield campus – is a grade II-listed building and lies within Huddersfield Town Centre Conservation Area.

The university has applied to Kirklees Council for listed building consent for internal and external refurbishment.

The building, with its towers, turrets and Gothic styling, has been at the heart of education in the town for 140 years.

As Huddersfield Technical School and Mechanics’ Institute, it was opened on July 7 1883 by the Duke of Somerset, father-in-law of Sir John Ramsden, renowned as one of the founders of Huddersfield.

The building later became Huddersfield Technical College and then Huddersfield College of Technology before becoming part of Huddersfield Polytechnic in 1970.

Much refurbishment work was undertaken in the 1970s when some windows and doors were blocked up, stud partition walls were installed and an additional floor was added to the galleried lecture hall at the front of the building.

 

 

Many historical features remain including a First World War memorial panel to the first floor landing, an ornate staircase with carved wooden handrails, wooden wall panels and stained glass windows.

Work in the 1970s covered up some original features and the current plans will see as many of these restored and revealed as possible.

Some stud partitions will be removed along with the additional floor to open up the space and return it closer to its original design.

Hidden cornicing has been found behind a false ceiling and more is expected to be uncovered.

 

A report by Leeds-based Prospect Archaeology, submitted as part of the planning application, says: “The proposed refurbishment of this building will, wherever possible, reveal and appreciate those historic elements of the historic fabric that have survived later use and refurbishment of the building. External alterations will be kept to an absolute minimum.”

Taking out the partitions and the additional floor would be an “enhancement of the listed building providing a better reflection of the original design.”

Windows will also be restored and made to open where possible and electrical trunking – previously installed for computer systems – will be removed from walls.

Carpeting is also set to be lifted and is expected to reveal hardwood timber floors in corridors and classrooms and marble or stone effect in the entrance hall.

 

How new social space could look in the Ramsden Building

 

The report concludes: “The proposed programme of refurbishment is necessary to modernise the facilities within this building.

“It provides an opportunity to reveal important architectural features that have been obscured or otherwise affected by alterations in the past.

“Further architectural features may be revealed during the programme of refurbishment. It is therefore recommended that a scheme of recording should be undertaken in conjunction with the refurbishment to include photographic recording of newly-exposed features.”

Once completed, the ground floor will accommodate the International Study Centre while the first floor will have space for post-graduate research and the International Office. The second floor will have PC labs and an event space.

Public consultation runs until October 29 2024 and a decision is expected in mid-November.

 

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