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News archive
2 May 2008 |
Redevelopment of St. George's Square gets underway
This week sees the start of the exciting new redevelopment of St George’s Square in Huddersfield town centre.
The £4m project, due for completion in February 2009, was commissioned by Kirklees Metropolitan Borough Council as part of the Yorkshire Forward Urban Renaissance Programme.
Three choices for the design of the scheme were put to public vote, with the proposal from Leeds based Whitelaw Turkington, being a clear favourite collecting a resounding 67 percent of the vote.
Centrepiece for Huddersfield
Part of the design involves the rerouting of Railway Street to create a large multi functional pedestrian area that will become a centrepiece for the town. Whitelaw Turkington, which is part of the Grontmij group, took into account the strong architectural heritage of the area - the grand neo-classical buildings that surround the square, with the palladial centrepiece of the railway station - to create a scheme inspired by history but that is contemporary in detail and style.
The design for the square is flexible, to accommodate activity from outdoor events to easy movement through the space for pedestrians, taxis and buses. Seating areas located adjacent to buildings will encourage people to spend time there, and a new kiosk at the entrance to the station will provide tourist and travel information and ticket sales for local events.
Extensive consultation process
Huddersfield railway station will be enhanced by a new fountain at the front, changing at different times of day. The existing statue of Harold Wilson will be moved and given pride of place in the centre of the square, more visible from the centre of town. Below this, the square is softened with the inclusion of four grass terraces and seasonal planting. This area will act as a natural amphitheatre where events may be viewed on a big screen.
Cllr Ken Sims, Cabinet member for regeneration at Kirklees Metropolitan Borough Council, said: “Options for the square went through a major consultation process, and were developed and progressed as a result of input for a wide range of groups and individuals. This is a major gateway to the town and we wanted to make sure we got it right.
“We had to balance the desire for the square to be an attractive ‘arena’ for outdoor events and activities, while at the same retaining its character and appearance.”
Reflecting the town's personality
Guy Denton, director in charge of Whitelaw Turkington’s Leeds office, added: “This is an exciting scheme for Huddersfield and we’re delighted to see the proposals being implemented. Public spaces play a vital role in the social and economic vitality of our towns, so ensuring a look and feel that best reflects both the people and the town’s personality is essential. St Georges Square will be a place people of the town can be proud of.”