Kirklees Council is wasting no time in moving ahead with the £16.5 million revamp of Huddersfield Open Market.
Less than 24 hours after planning permission was granted, the council confirmed the market hall will close with traders moved to a temporary market this summer.
Preparation works will start shortly and it is expected the market hall will be shut for around 18 months while the refurbishment takes place.
Traders have been concerned at the lack of stalls in the new temporary market which includes a covered market and outdoor areas.
With fewer stalls they fear the number of shoppers will decline and people will get out of the habit of visiting the market.
The council says the temporary market will include up to 37 indoor stalls, 29 outdoor stalls next to the current market hall in Brook Street and up to 28 additional stalls on Byram Street, on busier days.
The council has said there will be “no gap” in trading between the market hall closing and the temporary market starting.
However, traders have been warned there will have to be “compromise.”
Adele Poppleton, the council’s service director for culture and visitor economy, told the planning committee that the council was determined that Huddersfield didn’t lose its market or traders while the market hall works took place.
She said: “The council is being clear from the outset, there must be no gap in market trading. However, unfortunately, compromise is required.
“The temporary market allows traders to continue operating, earning a living and serving customers throughout the construction period.
“The temporary market has been carefully designed to operate safely and accessibly for traders and customers.
“This is a functioning, attractive, interim market that continues to serve a wide range of customers, including families and regular users of the town centre. This is not a token gesture.
“However, given the temporary nature, traders will need to compromise on elements of the offer.
“Trading spaces will be allocated through a clear structured application process, ensuring fairness, transparency and the best overall outcome, rather than a first come, first served approach.
“Support is also in place to help traders adapt and transition successfully during this period of change.”
Inside the new market hall, there will be over 87 pitches. This includes 12 larger permanent stalls with built-in services and storage, and more than 75 demountable stalls for market days.
The new demountable stalls inside will be around 50% larger than current ones.
The sides of the market hall will be glazed to make it warmer inside and there will be a new bar area and a heated café with seating on a mezzanine level.
Essential repairs and restoration of the market’s decorative cast-iron frame and roof will be carried out, bringing back its original colour scheme of traditional reds, pinks and creams.
Other improvements will include new and accessible toilets, ramps and automatic doors and the floor will be levelled to make it easier to get around.
Outside in what will be called the Market Yard, there will be space for 52 demountable trader pitches. There will also be space for eight stalls on Brook Street and 28 on Byram Street.
The council will now begin working with traders on arrangements for the move to the temporary market and, later, back into the refurbished market hall.
Image by: Virtual Huddersfield
David Shepherd, executive director for Place at Kirklees Council, said: “The regeneration of the market is about creating a welcoming space that works for traders, shoppers and visitors.
“The proposals are designed to help the market respond to changing high street patterns and support activity throughout the week.
“The plans build on the market’s traditional strengths, with the aim of supporting footfall in both the market and the wider town centre.
“Diversifying activity across the week is intended to provide more consistent opportunities for traders.
“The proposed multi-use space would allow for a wider range of events, designed to complement daytime trading.
“The intention is to enhance the overall experience for visitors while continuing to support the market’s role as an important part of the community.”
