Battle for Kingsgate

Mar 31 2008 by Clive Bond, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

THE battle for Kingsgate has begun.

Developers have vowed to fight against Kirklees Council’s refusal to allow the town’s shopping centre to expand.

The appeal papers are lodged and the developers are already looking forward to presenting a powerful case at a public inquiry.

They are sure Huddersfield shoppers want the scheme.

Peter Everest, managing director of WD Huddersfield which is behind the scheme, even has an opening date still very much in mind.

“We are continuing with the scheme and still expect to open Kingsgate phase II in September 2011,’’ he said. “Nearly nine of out 10 people support the extension.”

Bosses appeal over scheme to expand Kingsgate

KINGSGATE bosses are to fight on to get their shopping centre expanded.

They have lodged an appeal against Kirklees Council’s decision to refuse plans for a £50m extension to the Huddersfield retail complex.

Members of the council’s Huddersfield planning sub-committee last week unanimously rejected the application for a 12,000sq ft extension from Kingsgate owner WD Huddersfield Ltd.

Councillors followed planning officers’ advice that an expanded Kingsgate would jeopardise the council’s own proposals to renovate the Queensgate area.

WD Huddersfield has now lodged an appeal with the Secretary of State for the Environment – and is confident of winning a public inquiry.

Peter Everest, managing director of WD Huddersfield, said: "We are disappointed that the council has failed to listen to the views of the local public and rejected our proposals to invest £50m into the town.

"We are now appealing against the decision and are confident that WD Huddersfield Ltd will get approval for the scheme at public inquiry. As such, we are continuing with the scheme and still expect to open Kingsgate phase II in September, 2011."

WD Huddersfield said the 120,000 sq ft Kingsgate extension would provide a 75,000sq ft department store and six other retail units.

The proposals include a new single-level trading mall with a two-level department store linked to the existing centre and the centre’s car park. There will also be 190 extra car parking spaces, including parking for parents with children and disabled shoppers.

Mr Everest said councillors had voted against the application despite high levels of public support for the scheme.

He said: "WD Huddersfield Ltd is in the process of consulting local people on the scheme which so far has shown that nearly nine of out 10 people support the extension."

The rival Queensgate Revival plan calls for the Piazza and surrounding area to be revitalised with a new department store, shops, cafes, bars, restaurants, flats and a hotel.