THE new entrance to Huddersfield Town Hall is “a damp squib”, says a councillor.
Clr Christine Stanfield is not happy with the new front door on Corporation Street.
In 2005 Kirklees Council decided to move the entrance from Ramsden Street to allow for disabled access.
The £250,000 work was completed the following year.
But Clr Stanfield is not impressed with the end product.
She said: “Huddersfield Town Hall is a fantastic 19th century venue where the council not only conducts its official business but where thousands of people are entertained each year by world-class performers.
“But the entrance is a damp squib. As you turn the corner from Ramsden Street there is no visible indication of where the entrance might be.
“The building deserves an entrance which local people can be proud to walk through, something that reflects its heritage and reputation as will as that of the performers who tread its boards.”
Clr Stanfield wants the new entrance to be grander.
The Lindley Lib Dem said: “I’d like to see a period portico, if not traditional cast-iron then something modern and inspirational for the next 100 years.
“There could be a competition among local architects. Some sort of roof is needed to protect members of the public and VIPs from the rain as they arrive.
“At the moment people just get wet as they aimlessly search for the way in.
“The Town Hall is a very fine building - home to the world-renowned Huddersfield Choral Society and the equally famous Father Willis organ.
“I realise nothing can be done without the agreement of English Heritage, but I would like to start a debate about the entrance to the town’s most prestigious building.”
