BUILDING industry experts have awarded Queensgate Market Hall a top honour.
The Concrete Society gave the market a Certificate of Excellence for a mature structure.
Judges said the 1970 market’s 21 hyberbolic paraboloids – the mushroom- shaped structures that hold up the roof – were iconic.
They added: “In many ways the method of construction was significant and the forerunner to several other structures.
“Queensgate Market Hall is a remarkable and splendid building in very good condition.”
Adrian Evans, of the Huddersfield Gem organisation, which was formed to protect the market from a possible threat of demolition, said the building was worthy of the award.
He said: “Queensgate Market was designed and built with confidence, using a spectacular combination of architecture, engineering and art.
“It is the exemplar of 1960s retail design.”
Huddersfield Gem is worried about the future of the grade II-listed market, amid plans for a £200m regeneration of the surrounding area, called the Queensgate Revival.
The plans will transform the Piazza and surrounding area.
There are plans for new shops, bars and restaurants, flats, hotel, library and art gallery, a health and leisure club and underground parking.
Mr Evans said: “It is of great concern that the owners, Kirklees Council, propose to demolish over a third of the building in order to build a shopping mall.
“It is time that the unique qualities of the building are recognised and due care be given to ensure that it is preserved and developed sensitively.
“All the stakeholders should look for regeneration proposals that celebrate and make the best use of this unique and beautiful structure.
“The significance of the listed building includes the internal and external sculptures, the uninterrupted suspended glazing and the fantastic shell roofs.”
