IS IT not interesting to notice how little enthusiasm there has been for a new, greatly enlarged Tesco store in Huddersfield or even a new sports centre?
The Examiner has given the idea good publicity. Perhaps we do not need either.
Clearly Tesco is the prime mover in this proposal. We understand that it has been acquiring land on this very large, valuable, prominent site for some years. What will the council tax payers of Kirklees gain by the sale of the sports centre and at what cost?
We would exchange an old sports centre for a new one but also lose about 80 homes, the car park, the Swallow Court day care centre and perhaps more besides. We are then told that Kirklees will need to spend money from its “other capital budgets”.
Surely if Tesco wishes to make this unnecessary move then Tesco should pay the full cost of the change. Tesco proposes to make a small investment now for a large return in the future. We, the people of Huddersfield, would have little benefit.
As a regular user of the sports centre I believe that the building needs refurbishment if it is to be retained.
If it is to be replaced, then surely the St Andrew’s Road site would be preferable and a 50 metre pool should be considered. It has been suggested that this should be done in conjunction with the university, whose existing sports hall is outdated. Such a proposal could be of great benefit to the town and the university.
A W Wise
Almondbury
