HUDDERSFIELD University’s impressive architecture has been praised by a national watchdog.

Simon Thurley, the chief executive of English Heritage, was full of praise when he visited some of the university’s most historic sites that have been refurbished for academic use, including its multi-million-pound Canalside development.

The complex of 19th-century Grade II listed spinning mills and weaving sheds bordering Firth Street have been transformed into a space for the schools of computer engineering, education and architecture.

Work started on transforming the formerly derelict mills in 1995 and the last, called Lockside, was completed in 2001.

The £17m development was praised as among the most imaginative conservation schemes in the country and was singled out as one of the best projects in English Heritage’s book Shared Interest.

Mr Thurley toured the mill complex and the university’s other historic buildings with its director of estates, Colin Blair.

He said: “The mill buildings are incredibly impressive, a wonderful historic site. They are an outstanding example, on a national scale, of taking historical buildings and giving them a new lease of life for the future.

“It’s fantastic to see the work and care that has gone into them to make sure they continue for future generations.

“All too often universities are new builds, so it’s good to have a mix of old and new architecture to have a sense of history.

“It’s also a great opportunity for the students to be in buildings of real style and history, as you can’t help being affected by their quality and character.”

Mr Thurley said the university was a good example of using a new way of working called “construction conservation”.

This means that a flexible approach by developers, involving a lot of early consultation, has shown the benefit to both developers and conservationists of putting the historic environment at the heart of regeneration.

Mr Thurley also praised the fine architecture that the rest of Huddersfield has to offer.

He said: “When I come to Huddersfield I am always amazed at how wonderful its architecture is.

“There are only three Grade I listed railway stations in the country and Huddersfield has one of them. It has an amazing entrance. The Town Hall is also an impressive building.

“Huddersfield was a really rich place in the 19th century and that’s reflected in the buildings. It’s great that work has been done by the likes of the university to preserve the town’s history.”

Mr Thurley also visited the university’s Milton Church, which is now used for drama, and the Ramsden Building, which was built in 1886.

Mr Blair said: “He was bowled over by the incredibly high standard of architecture. The buildings are really flexible spaces, are great for the students and will be there for a long time.

“The mills development is award-winning, as it has received the Ironbridge Trust Award. People come from all over the country to see it.

“To get this kind of recognition is great not just for the university, but also for the town. We are really proud.”