HUDDERSFIELD is set to benefit from a range of regeneration schemes.
A combination of public money and private sector investment is transforming derelict mills and converting under-used properties into attractive apartments, high grade offices, new shops and the latest leisure facilities.
Such schemes provide fresh impetus for the town – creating new jobs, attracting new visitors and generating income for the local economy
The Examiner Business Awards has recognised the role that this activity plays in revitalising the Huddersfield economy with a special category, the Regeneration Award.
The winner will be announced at the glittering awards night to be held at the Galpharm Stadium – itself a showcase of regeneration – in November.
The category will recognise an organisation which has brought fresh employment to the district by renovated or redeveloped existing property or making new use of redundant land to the benefit of local communities and the wider economy.
The category is being sponsored by Eddisons Chartered Surveyors, a business which has played its own prominent part in bringing new business to the town.
A spokesman said: “Eddisons Chartered Surveyors are proud to be sponsoring the Regeneration Award at this year’s Huddersfield Daily Examiner Business Awards 2008. “Eddisons are a national firm of Chartered Surveyors, working across the country from our eight regional offices in Leeds, Manchester, Bradford, Bristol, Birmingham, London, Glasgow, and here in Huddersfield.
“We are therefore delighted to be sponsoring the Regeneration category, particularly given our ongoing involvement with many property development projects within the town and wider Kirklees area.
“Our teams of professionals provide property related advice and services to owners and occupiers of industrial, office, retail and residential properties throughout the UK.
“However, we have been established in Huddersfield for over 160 years, and accordingly have a vested interest in the ongoing success of local companies and the regeneration of the town itself.
“There has been significant redevelopment over recent years, with notable examples being new developments at the University main campus, and the completion of the Media Centre.
“Further developments proposed include the Waterfront Scheme and the proposed relocation of Kirklees College, the redevelopment of Folly Hall Mills, Railway Warehouse, the proposed extension to the existing Kingsgate Shopping Mall and Queensgate schemes.
Said the spokesman: “Eddisons are proud to be associated with the town, and through our activities we actively encourage local businesses to grow and those further afield to view.
“Huddersfield as an economically vibrant and profitable place to locate. Eddisons sponsoring the Regeneration Award is very appropriate.
An organisation at the hub of Huddersfield’s vibrant creative industries won the category at last year’s awards.
The Media Centre, based at Northumberland Street was winner of the Regeneration Award – recognising its success in turning derelict buildings in the town centre into a home for start-ups and small firms in the creative, digital and media sector.
The Media Centre has more than 120 office units and 21 live-work studios for tenant firms – as well as “virtual offices” for more than 120 other companies.
It also provides business support and meeting rooms.
Last year, the Queen opened one of Yorkshire’s “greenest” buildings to create a further 52 workspaces for the Media Centre.
The £5m glass-clad five storey building at Friendly Street is one of the first of its size in the UK to feature a double-skin frame, creating a unique heating and cooling system designed to minimise carbon emissions.
The Huddersfield Business Awards will be held on Thursday November 13 at the Galpharm Stadium.
The event will be hosted by BBC Look North presenter Harry Gration. Tickets priced £50 plus VAT are available by phoning 01484 437702.
