The jury’s out on new look St George's Square

Oct 24 2009 by Katie Grant, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

The jury’s out on new Square

THE £4m bill for the new St George’s Square has today come under fire.

Huddersfield people got their first look at the revamped Square – complete with fountains that will be switched off in winter.

And although some liked parts of the project, the consensus was: It’s not worth the money.

But the senior Kirklees councillor who had overseen the final project insisted it was a great scheme and well worth the money.

Clr Peter McBride said: “People I have spoken to are delighted with the Square and it is going to do so much for Huddersfield.

“I think it’s magnificent and it sets off the beautiful buildings that surround it”.

Many visitors queried how the budget had soared to more than £1m over the original estimate.

Some welcomed the fountains and water features, but others said the money could have been better spent.

The new-look Square was unveiled on Thursday night, a year behind schedule, and yesterday many people took their first look at the paved areas, fountains and granite water feature.

The final cost has gone over £4m – a sum equivalent to 25 four-bedroom houses with garages in Birkby.

The money could also pay for 160 extra hospital nurses or 130 teachers for a year.

Some people thought the square looked fabulous and were taking great interest in the new features.

But others thought all the work has been a waste of money and should never have been done at all.

Christopher Marsden, of Huddersfield Gem and the Huddersfield Civic Society, described the water cascade at the bottom of the square as “one big urinal”.

He said: “How right the council is to suggest that the ‘waterwall’ will give a continental feel. Outdoor urinals have a long history on the continent and in France.