MOU signed for shopping centre expansion

PLANS for a £40m expansion of Huddersfield’s Kingsgate Shopping Centre have been revealed.

The centre’s owner, WD Huddersfield, and Kirklees Council have signed a memorandum of understanding to increase Kingsgate by 120,000 sq ft.

Kingsgate, which opened in 2002, is fully occupied and has tenants including House of Fraser, Next and H&M.

Peter Everest, managing director of WD Huddersfield, said: “While many other centres and high streets have suffered from a high volume of voids, Kingsgate has maintained its leading position by adopting a leasing strategy that focuses on fashion and is fresh and inviting.

“That’s why more big name retailers want to be part of the success story in a town that is ideally located to draw more footfall from a wide and largely affluent catchment area.”

The £40m planned expansion will see the centre’s floorspace increase by 50%, taking it to approximately 410,000 sq ft, including space for a department store.

The plans also include provision for 640 car parking spaces and when the work is complete, the expansion will result in the creation of more than 600 full and part-time jobs as well as an estimated 300 in construction.

Mr Everest added: “I’m pleased to say that there are investors, as well as ourselves, who see the so-far untapped potential of the town and are ready to support our investment in Huddersfield.”
          
The leader of Kirklees Council, Coun Mehboob Khan, said: “We know that improving the retail offer is important to our residents and this expansion fits part of a wider plan for attracting investment to create the environment for economic growth.

“WD are long-term investors in Huddersfield and we are delighted that they want to move forward with plans for the £40m expansion of the Kingsgate Centre – a development that will considerably strengthen the town’s offer and attract more shoppers and greater spend.”