PLANS for the multi-million revival of St George’s Square were given the backing by senior councillors.

The idea to create a £4million outdoor events area near the town’s train station was welcomed by members of the cabinet.

Clr Ken Sims, cabinet member for regeneration, said: “This will bring the entrance into Huddersfield into the 21st Century. When you come out of the station and look at the area people will say ‘what a town this is’.

The revamp will see the creation of fountains and an avenue of trees as part of the wider Renaissance Town programme for Huddersfield. The area will be pedestrianised and buildings around the square will be enhanced.

Clr Jim Dodds, chair of the cabinet meeting held yesterday at Dewsbury Town Hall, added: “I really think this is a terrific move forward; a brilliant design and when you look at the success of the concerts we had last year, the Queen’s visit and the Proms in St George’s Square, this development will have the right ambience for that area as we can get even more concerts and events of that nature.”

The town’s historic open space could hold up to 10,000 people for outdoor entertainment events.

The regeneration will be funded by the council’s Capital Plan, Regeneration and Highways departments and a bid from the Yorkshire Forward Huddersfield Urban Renaissance which has been verbally approved.

Negotiations for £300,000 from Metro are ongoing which leaves a shortfall of £214,000 which council officers say will be covered by underspending in regeneration and highways or from additional funding from Yorkshire Forward.