Asda unveils plan for new Huddersfield town centre superstore

May 8 2009 By Neil Atkinson

ASDA wants to build a £40m superstore on Huddersfield’s ring road.

And the chain expects to bring 400 new jobs to the town with their huge plan for the Thomas Broadbent site off Chapel Hill.

The engineering company would consolidate on part of their site in Queen Street South if the proposals go through.

But ASDA face a battle. Huddersfield MP Barry Sheerman – who is already fighting Tesco plans for another part of the ring road – has vowed to oppose the plan.

He said: “I do not want to see a journey around Huddersfield’s ring road take in superstore after superstore, with Tesco, Sainsbury’s, ASDA and Lidl all there.

“The site occupied by Broadbent’s is adjacent to the jewel in the town’s crown, the University of Huddersfield, and it would be ideal for them to expand still further, especially if the plan for a new Kirklees College off Chapel Hill goes ahead”.

ASDA, who have an existing store in Bradford Road, believe they can persuade Kirklees Council planners to back their scheme.

A detailed application is expected to be lodged shortly but they hope the jobs creation aspect of the plans will appeal in the current recession.

The ASDA plan also means a future for engineering firm Broadbent’s.

A spokesman said: “The new store – with a 49,000 sq ft sales area and a 560 space split level car park – will greatly increase shopping choice in the area and create 400 new jobs for local people.

“Huddersfield has been considered by ASDA for some time for further investment and the company believes the Broadbent site is a great location”.

ASDA property communications manager, Philip Bartram, said: “A new ASDA store in Huddersfield will bring a new, high quality retail offer to shoppers and create up to 400 new jobs for local people.

“During difficult economic times, we will work closely with Jobcentre Plus and other agencies to target local job seekers.