‘Hundreds of jobs’ promised as plans for major mixed-use scheme on former college site revealed

A 342,000 sq ft site, the former campus of Kirklees College in Huddersfield, could be transformed into a major mixed-use development creating hundreds of jobs after being snapped up by a developer.

The site has been bought by Leeds-based developer Trinity One for an undisclosed sum and it says talks are underway with a supermarket and a major hotel chain.

The college had occupied the old 6.1 acre site since the 1960s and part of it was the original Huddersfield Hospital.

Mike Dove, of Leeds-based property consultants Dove Haigh Phillips, who brokered the deal between Trinity One and the college, said: “This prestigious site occupies a commanding gateway position overlooking the town centre. It provides a tremendous opportunity for a first-class mixed-use redevelopment, which will revitalise the town’s economy.

“The 342,000 sq ft site, which includes the majestic old Grade II-listed hospital building, has immense potential. The development will feature an imaginative mix of retail, leisure, residential and office space, all of the highest quality and scale.

“Talks are already well advanced with a supermarket giant to provide a supermarket on site, while a major UK hotel chain is planning a new-build hotel there as well. These key deals will kick-start a development project which will transform an ailing area of land into an economic powerhouse.”

Tas Javed, managing partner of Trinity One, said: “We have been working with Kirklees College since 2016 to deliver this significant deal which will unlock the unique potential of this strategic site.

“We intend to create a premier mixed-use development, of which Huddersfield can be incredibly proud. The development will set a new standard of quality residential, leisure, retail and employment space for the town, based on sound economics and an understanding of the demographics of the area.”

“We believe it is fitting that we are bringing these plans forward in the year in which Huddersfield Town are playing in the Premiership for the first time ever. These are very exciting times for the town,” said Javed.

It is hoped that a planning application for the site will be submitted in three months.

Richard Outhwaite at Shoosmiths in Leeds provided legal advice for Trinity One.