Plans for long-awaited transformation of former Co-op building approved

Planning bosses have given their approval to plans to convert the long-disused Co-op building in Huddersfield Town Centre into 75 student apartments.

The building has been empty since 2004 when nightclub Heaven and Hell closed. Kirklees Council bought the building in 2007 as part of the Queengate revival plans which were then scuppered by the economic downturn.

Backing the recommendation of Kirklees Council’s officers, planning bosses voted to support SKA Developments’ plans and delegate final approval to the council’s head of strategic investment.

The proposals, which would see a three-storey extension to the existing Co-op building, will create 135 student bedrooms through 75 apartments.

The proposals look to build on SKA’s existing development successes within Huddersfield Town Centre – including the £5m Standard House student accommodation scheme which was launched in 2016.

Zeb Pervaiz, SKA Developments’ director, said: “I’m absolutely delighted that Kirklees Council’s Strategic Planning Committee have given their approval for plans for the former Co-op building in Huddersfield.

“For too long this key site in Huddersfield Town Centre has stood vacant, so it gives me real pride that today we have taken a major step towards bringing the building back into beneficial use.

“Over the previous months we’ve worked very closely with Kirklees Council to develop a viable but eye catching scheme, and I’m thrilled that our approach of working closely with the council has led to today’s decision.

“SKA Developments has a track record of delivering high-quality projects in Huddersfield, including our fantastic Standard House scheme. We now look forward to continuing to work closely with the council to finalise the details of these plans, and we are targeting a start-on-site for Renaissance Works in the coming months, which will kick off with a strip out of the existing building.”