Tesco has confirmed that it has canned plans to build a new store in Huddersfield.

It is one of 49 new Tesco stores that will not get built nationally, as the retail giant pulls out of new store building programmes.

Dave Lewis, Tesco Chief Executive Officer, said: “It is with a heavy heart that I am today announcing that we are unable to proceed with 49 planned new store developments across the UK, including our planned store in Huddersfield.

 “Our performance as a business has fallen significantly short of where we would want it to be and my absolute imperative has to be to protect the future of our business for the c. 300,000 colleagues we employ in communities all over the UK.“

 “I know that this news will be a real disappointment to many people in the local community and we’re extremely grateful for the support we’ve received for our plans.

"I am very aware of the importance of the site to the area and I am determined that we will work closely with Kirklees Council to find the right solution for the local community.”

Tesco had agreed to buy the land at Southgate, on Huddersfield’s ring road, in a deal that would provide Kirklees Council with cash to build a new sports centre.

Take a look inside the new sports centre below.

The land sale deal is not thought to be at risk by today’s announcement.

More soon.