IS this the future of Huddersfield? Ambitious proposals for a multi-million pound revamp of a huge part of the town centre were unveiled today.
And the public were told: It's up to you.
Kirklees Council launched a major consultation, likely to last well into the summer, into the options for redeveloping a huge slice of the town centre.
The project centres on the library, which is in need of a complete overhaul - or demolition.
But there are now options for a development which could cost up to £135m, with most of the cash coming from private developers.
The whole plan dwarfs the £50m Kingsgate scheme.
A public exhibition of the seven options will open in the Huddersfield Library art gallery from tomorrow.
A public forum will be held at the Lawrence Batley Theatre next Tuesday, April 27, starting at 7pm.
It will be chaired by Kirklees Council's Director of Regeneration Ken Gillespie.
The area concerned takes in the library and art gallery, the surrounding piazza area, the market hall and the Queensgate multi-storey car park.
It covers seven acres of the town centre, with a potential regeneration value and investment of up to £135m.
Kirklees Council's deputy leader and Cabinet member for Education and Recreation Clr John Smithson urged everyone with an interest to view the exhibition of the options from tomorrow at Huddersfield Library, and to have their say at the public forum.
The council commissioned a team of expert consultants to carry out a feasibility study into various options. Their detailed report forms the basis of the consultation over the coming weeks, which will also include a number of focus groups, leaflets, and information on the council's website.
Clr Smithson said: "This is an important part of the town centre. It links in with the new Kingsgate centre, and the Renaissance town initiative in other parts of the town.
"This area of the town centre is in need of regeneration and investment.
"Through the options we want to explore the potential to transform this area and bring added benefits such as physically linking the town centre with the University.
"I know that a lot of people have their own ideas, thoughts, and concerns. We want them to share those issues with us and also to come along and look at the details of what the options could offer.
"It is important that anyone who wants to express a view has the opportunity to do so, and that is what the consultation period will provide for between now and the summer.
"The Cabinet will analyse the results of the consultation, which are expected by the autumn, based on three main parameters - service needs, cost effectiveness and public opinion."
