Site team confirmed for landmark town regeneration

The team which will deliver the first project as part of the Huddersfield Town Centre Blueprint – Renaissance Works – has been unveiled.

Zeb and Saj Pervaiz, directors of SKA Developments, have revealed the operators who will work on the multi-million pound development at the former cooperative department store, which has stood derelict for almost two decades.

The site will be transformed into luxury accommodation, catering for hundreds of students.

The project will benefit from the support of property professional services business, Turner & Townsend, which will provide Clerk of Works facilities, overseeing the project.

Main day-to-day construction activity will be carried out by Spring & Co, and Kirklees-based Big Red Industries.

Work to strip out the building was completed last year, with core construction activity starting just before Christmas.

Michael Grace, director at Turner & Townsend, said: “Turner & Townsend are excited to be working with SKA Developments on the transformation of the former cooperative building and playing a role in reshaping Huddersfield town centre.

“Working with Zeb and his team to bring a landmark project to life, we’ll utilise our experience of partnership working between public organisations and private business to ensure this project is carried out in an efficient and effective manner.

“We are proud of our work throughout Yorkshire, and it’s very pleasing to be supporting a landmark regeneration project for Huddersfield and Kirklees.”

James Valentine, project manager at Spring & Co, said: “Spring and Company are delighted to support our client SKA Developments in bringing this iconic building back to its former glory in our role as Project and Construction Managers.

“It is great to be able to utilise our expertise and knowledge learnt from similar projects and to be working back in Huddersfield.

“We are very proud to be heavily involved in this ambitious Renaissance Works project which will, undoubtedly, radically improve the town centre and the wider area.”

Mike Lomas, group managing director at Big Red Industries, said: “Big Red are delighted to be appointed by and working with the team at SKA Developments to support in the major construction works on the Renaissance Works project.

“Being two local Huddersfield companies, Big Red and SKA share common values in supporting the Huddersfield community and have a fantastic personal and professional relationship.

“The Renaissance Works project is the most high-profile project taking place in the town at the moment and will radically change the skyline of Huddersfield. Big Red are delighted to be a part of it.”

The project is being supported by Kirklees Council Property Investment Fund (PFI).

Renaissance Works is the first of several projects amongst Kirklees Council’s £250m Huddersfield Blueprint to begin work onsite.

SKA Developments is working with the expert project team to facilitate Kirklees Council’s vision for a vibrant, up-to-date town centre.

Renaissance Works is forecast for completion in June 2021, ready to cater for Huddersfield’s 2021-2022 student roster.