HUDDERSFIELD'S MP today urged: Let's make new buildings in the town centre world-class.
Labour' Barry Sheerman made his call as steps were taken which could lead to major redevelopment.
Specialist consultants are being engaged to examine the possibilities.
The library and art gallery could be demolished, together with Queensgate Market and its neighbouring multi-storey car park.
Mr Sheerman said: "I'm pleased that outside consultants are coming in to look at it as the whole area is looking a little dated.
"Real drive is needed if anything is to be done and we need to think boldly.
"We should not hold back. We should produce something architecturally stunning and world-class."
The use of specialist consultants was agreed by Kirklees Council's cabinet yesterday.
In backing the move, the cabinet made it clear that the issue was at its very early stages and there was no commitment to any specific ideas.
Council deputy leader Clr John Smithson, who chaired the meeting, said there had been immense interest and public reaction.
"While I welcome everyone's views I hope people will not run away with the idea that we have any specific scheme or schemes in mind or that anything is going to happen quickly.
"At this stage we are simply bringing in some expert consultants to have a look at the long term potential for re-development and to tell us what they think could be feasible. We just want to see whether this is a runner.
"Hence there are no specific proposals, and therefore no answers to immediate detailed questions people will have," he said.
What I can assure people and traders is that if this idea gets off the ground they will be fully consulted and involved. But we are a long way away from that."
Council chiefs have floated the idea after it emerged that £5m repairs were needed on the town's library and art gallery.
The building - opened in 1940 - was closed for a time last year with a leaking roof and flooding after heavy rain.
A new library and new market hall could be provided, along with new shops on the Piazza.
Clr Smithson said: "If it is feasible to put together a package that takes in all these possibilities it could really transform Huddersfield into one of the most modern centres in the region with a dynamic mix of cultural and commercial activity.
"By bringing in consultants all we are doing at this stage is testing the water to see what may, or may not, be possible."
Mr Sheerman said the university was desperate to be in included in any proposals.
"It desperately needs a better link to the town centre across the ring road.
"It should be at the heart of the town rather than something remote and difficult to get to," said Mr Sheerman.
Clr Mehboob Khan, Kirklees Council's Labour group leader, said the public and traders should be given every chance to make comments directly to the cabinet and attend all future meetings.
Related stories and messageboards
