UNIVERSITY chiefs have welcomed plans to revamp a major slice of Huddersfield town centre.

And they hope that redevelopment of the library, art gallery, Piazza and Queensgate Market area will enhance town and gown links.

They spoke out as Kirklees Council continued detailed consultations on a host of options for the site.

The options range from a simple revamp of the library building to a huge reshaping of the whole area, including shops, offices, restaurants and cultural facilities.

Private developers would be brought in to work on most of the schemes.

University spokesman Prof Barry Lee said: "Huddersfield has much to celebrate. It's a vibrant and forward-looking town with a rich and honourable heritage.

"The development of the library and Piazza area offers a tremendous opportunity to build on the best of the past with an eye on the future.

"The university welcomes the consultation on the proposed options.

"We are delighted with the inclusion of the proposed bridge across the ring road in three of the options. We believe that this would integrate the university campus with the town centre both physically and symbolically.

"We look forward to involvement in the design process, should one of these options be chosen, and hope that an imaginative and striking design can be achieved."

Prof Lee, pro vice chancellor for external relations, also welcomed the cultural centre plans and said it would further enhance Huddersfield's worldwide reputation.

"The town's greatest strength lies in its people. Huddersfield pioneered developments in fine worsteds and other textiles, dyes and other chemicals, engineering and enterprise and has impressive musical and cultural associations.

"The proposed redevelopment could provide an opportunity to celebrate the town's magnificent story with a specially-designed landmark cultural building.

"It could house a library, art gallery, archive and exhibition space, a centre to exhibit Huddersfield's achievements in industry and enterprise, music and its rich cultural diversity."