Funding deal agreed to transform derelict former Co-op building

Council bosses have authorised a multi-million pound loan to refurbish Huddersfield’s derelict former Co-op building.

The iconic building in the town centre is set to be transformed through an investment from a local property business and a loan from Kirklees Council.

Following news earlier this year that councillors had given their approval to SKA Developments’ plans to convert the long-disused Co-op building on New Street into 75 student apartments, the council cabinet have now approved a loan from the Property Investment Fund to support its refurbishment.

The proposals will see a three-storey extension built.

Zeb Pervaiz, SKA Developments’ director, said: “We take great pride in being able to transform this site, which will be brought back to life thanks to our investment and the loan provided by the Property Investment Fund. Kirklees Council have been really supportive of our project, and we look forward to working closely with them to deliver this scheme.

“We’ve worked towards this goal for more than six years, so to see it finally come to fruition is fantastic. SKA has developed a unique brand and this development provides a great opportunity to deliver an iconic project in the heart of the town, and one that the whole community can be proud of.”

Cllr Graham Turner, cabinet member for corporate services, said: “Finding a new purpose for former commercial and retail property is a key strand of our approach to supporting town centres. The prominent position of this particular building has a negative impact on Huddersfield. It has been a difficult site for a number of years and we welcome a local company developing it.

“We are pleased to be utilising the Property Investment Fund, which was created as part of our commitment to regeneration in a very difficult financial climate. This scheme will not only revitalise a disused building. It will also bring more residential property into the town centre, boosting the local economy.”

“This is just the sort of scheme we set up the investment fund to support, and another good another example of the council’s commitment to regenerate Huddersfield. We will be working in partnership with a local company with an excellent track record of delivering high quality schemes, and I am sure that this will be another one. “