PLANS for one of Huddersfield’s biggest-ever developments will not be hit by problems at the architect firm behind it.

John Clark Associates drew up the ambitious plans for the HD One development, based around the Galpharm Stadium, which was granted planning permission last month.

It has now emerged that the firm has become a victim of the recession.

But Ralph Rimmer, managing director of Kirklees Stadium Development Ltd (KSDL), who conceived the scheme, said the project’s architects had set up on their own.

The team behind the £100m project – set to bring many hundreds of jobs to the town – have formed a new company called WBG Design, based in London.

The main partners are all former directors of John Clark Associates.

Mr Rimmer said: “They have split from the company and set up on their own and have taken on board our project.

“The new company will take our scheme forward.”

The scheme centres on a huge new leisure complex which is claimed will bring the “wow factor” to Huddersfield.

The complex, which will create 912 jobs, will include a ski slope, casino, dozens of bars and restaurants and a hotel. There will also be two nightclubs, a bingo hall, shops and 140 flats on the 11-hectare site.

Mr Rimmer said the development would bring £15.4m a year into Huddersfield’s economy once it was completed in 2015.

The complex will be built on land around the Galpharm, including the golf driving range and the car parks. Four new multi-storeys will boost total parking at the site from the current 1,000 spaces to 1,800.

Mr Rimmer said: “I am delighted with the way things are going.

“I am passionate about Huddersfield as a town and want to see it develop.

“We have been speaking to a number of potential developers who are interested in the scheme.

“There are people out there with money, despite the recession and they want to invest in good schemes. This scheme is a good one.”

KSDL is 40% owned by Kirklees Council, with the Huddersfield Giants holding 20%.

The remaining 40% is currently held by Huddersfield Sporting Pride, owned by Giants chairman Ken Davy. Last month he agreed to pass these shares to Huddersfield Town.

However, he needs the council’s consent to go ahead with the transfer.