A high-flying executive from Manchester Airport has joined the board of the company behind a major development scheme for Huddersfield.

Andrew Harrison, chief strategy officer at Manchester Airport, has been appointed non-executive chairman of Kirklees Stadium Development Ltd in succession to Sir John Harman, who has stepped down from the role after more than 20 years.

Mr Harrison joins the company to lend his expertise to the team leading the multi-million pound HD One leisure scheme, which envisages a series of major developments to complement the existing stadium complex.

Bradford-born Mr Harrison, a keen Huddersfield Town fan, began his career in retailing with Marks & Spencer – working at major UK stores and in Hong Kong before joining the Manchester Airport Group and holding key positions at both Manchester and London Stansted.

Plans for HD One development

His retailing and strategy skills will come into play as HD One embarks on ambitious plans to turn 250,000sq ft of land alongside the stadium into a leisure facility including an open-air ski slope, a £13m hotel, restaurants and cafes to complement the stadium, the neighbouring nine-screen Odeon cinema, Kirklees Active Leisure health and fitness club, Costa Coffee, Pizza Hut and the Rope Walk pub.

Mr Harrison praised Sir John, the former leader of Kirklees Council, who spearheaded the stadium development and chaired Kirklees Stadium Development Ltd for more than 20 years.

New Chairman of HD One Andrew Harrison.

He said: “In the stadium you have multiple partners, including Huddersfield Town and Huddersfield Giants and a public amenity which is there for the town. I volunteer my time and I do it gladly because it is something I think I can help with.

“It is a chance to work with people like Sir John Harman – who did a fantastic job for something like 23 years – as well as other members of the board, the football and rugby clubs and the council.

“We have built a brilliant stadium, which can be the catalyst for further development. HD One will bring a vision to build a fuller role for the stadium complex, to add diversity and increase revenue streams.”