Web Forum: Market woe

Sep 15 2009 by Andrew Jackson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

THE markets of Huddersfield are empty of both stalls and shoppers these days, but it’s certainly busy on the forums when it comes to sorting out their problems.

StephB had sympathy with the traders: “KMC want to raise the rents in the already emptying Market Hall aka Concrete Mushroom Palace. Traders are ready to go to court over the ridiculous increases. What do KMC say? ‘We are committed to repair and refurbishment at Queensgate to the tune of £1.4m and would need tenants to work with us to achieve this’. Aren’t they already paying both rent and business rates for their stalls? Or does the council mean ‘We are committed to the stall holders repairing and refurbishing to the tune of £1.4m?’”

markmyword49 added: “Makes not the slightest difference. Whoever’s in power will have to arrange to repair and maintain the Concrete Mushroom Palace. Why? Because Huddersfield Pride and Huddersfield Civic Trust successfully lobbied the appropriate central government department to grant it listed building consent. All for the sake of the tops of columns no one looks at. The population in Huddersfield don’t matter to them – only a piece of 70’s concrete.”

Mowdiwarp had strong views: “I for one can see nothing attractive about this building at all and as markmyword49 says ‘All for the sake of the tops of columns no one looks at’ and not forgetting of course the ‘murals’ that adorn the exterior wall.”

hgl also had concerns: “The markets’ department is top heavy with staff, I would like to see some savings made by getting shut of a few of them. I pity the traders brave enough to carry on trading in Kirklees. The council is desperate for money and will get it in any way possible, they are obviously not looking in to the future, just looking to balance the books today.”

albert offered his opinions: “I agree with most of the points above however blaming the forward thinking market staff is out of order. The team running the markets work from 6am until 7pm. The team leaders arrange farmers and continental markets. All the special events are part of markets like the food and drink festival and the ice rink on the piazza. I know it’s fun to knock the council but most of the workers really are worth their worth.”