HCS Members’ Update January 2025

Town Centre Masterplan – Huddersfield Open Market

Following the announcement in my last update regarding public consultation about proposals for Huddersfield Open Market improvements I have now submitted comments on behalf of the society. These have been posted on the HCS News section and will feature in a news story on Huddersfield Hub.

Forthcoming Events:

HCS Christmas/New Year Social Event, January 15, 2025,

Westin Drives, St Andrew’s Road, Huddersfield HD1 6NA

A last call for anyone who wishes to attend our New Year Social.

Food and drink will be available as well as the chance to win a prize by taking part in our annual informal quiz and, of course. the opportunity to meet and chat with other members of the society and friends.

On offer is a Bolster Moor hot beef sandwich with gravy and wedges/coleslaw, or a chickpea and tomato curry with rice/wedges (vegetarian, vegan and gluten free) along with a free alcoholic or soft drink (cash can be exchanged for further beverage tokens).

If you (guests welcome too) would like to join us at £10 per head (cash on the night please), please email , with subject heading of ‘Social Event’ and let us know your name and how many places you would like to reserve. If you don’t have access to email, please text your name and above details to Laura West on 07730 598542.

HCS AGM and Speaker Event, Wednesday, March 26, 7pm, Brian Jackson House, 2 New North Parade, Huddersfield HD1 5JP

One for your diary. Following a short AGM we are pleased to announce a speaker for the evening – Charles Smith, Head of the NW Region for Historic England.

Further information and booking details to come in later updates.

Cultural Heart: Phase 2, Museum and Art Gallery 

You may recall that in my September and October updates I raised concerns that, following a meeting with the consultants for the former Library and Art Gallery building, there appeared to be ‘a complete lack of information relating to where thematic elements, particular those being rehoused from Tolson Museum, will be situated’, exacerbated by the fact that there will be less display space available.

In answer to these concerns a useful meeting between David Shepherd, Executive Director Place, and me, Sylvia Johnson, Howard Smith and Robert Taylor at the beginning of December indicated that a major report would be considered early in the New Year providing greater detail regarding the specific areas being allocated to themes such as industrial, mediaeval, natural history and transport.

Princess Royal Hospital Listed by Historic England

Following the announcement that an electrical junction box dating back to 1895 on Fitzwilliam Street in Huddersfield town centre had been Grade II listed, Historic England has also listed the former Princess Royal Maternity Hospital on Greenhead Road.

The former maternity ward is a rare, relatively unaltered example of its type and was designed in the Arts and Crafts ‘bungalow’ style in 1928. Its original floor plan, designed with infection control, sanitation and care of new mothers at its heart, remained unchanged over the years. The last baby born at the hospital was in October 1984 after which it became the Princess Royal Community Hospital.

Membership Renewals

You should by now have received an email regarding renewal of membership. Over the past year every effort has been made by the Society to promote the architecture, heritage and future of the town and we are one of the few groups to have regular consultation with various officers of Kirklees Council as well as working in partnership with other organisations including Discover Huddersfield and Huddersfield Unlimited.

I hope, therefore, that you will renew your membership and enjoy participation at our events and activities. Furthermore, we are always keen to tempt new blood onto our committee. If you would like to be involved, please do not hesitate to contact me or, perhaps, attend one of our committee meetings, which are held at Westin Drives, St. Andrew’s Road. The next one is scheduled for 7pm on Monday, January 20.

Best Wishes and hope to see you in the new Year.

Huddersfield Civic Society chair David Wyles