Old market hall in Heckmondwike set to be demolished

Kirklees Council has submitted an application to demolish the old market on Blanket Hall Street, which it says is currently derelict and is attracting anti-social behaviour.

The “prior notification of proposed demolition” bid describes the market hall as a steel framed part single, part two-storey retail premises, with an external façade and internal partitions constructed in masonry.

The demolition itself would be done by the “top-down” method with the site cleared and fenced off once complete.

There is no indication in the application as to the timeframe for demolition – both when it is expected to take place and how long it will take.

The Council confirmed that it was part of its Local Centres programme which will see £1.5 million invested into the town and the creation of a blueprint for development over the next 10 to 15 years.

Councillor Graham Turner, cabinet member for finance and regeneration, said: “Following public consultation over the summer, we’re aiming to officially adopt our blueprint for Heckmondwike by the end of the year.

“This blueprint will see £1.5million investment in Heckmondwike, and – as with all our town centre blueprints across Kirklees – this work is focused on making the town more vibrant for residents and visitors alike.

An aerial view of Heckmondwike town centre showing the market hall in the centre (Image: Google Maps)

“This work will include the demolition of the disused Heckmondwike Market Hall.  Demolishing the building will help address issues with antisocial behaviour on the site, which is currently standing empty, and will in turn allow us to revitalise this space and provide a safer, more inclusive environment for everyone to enjoy.”

Consultation took place earlier this year with local people asked to have their say on the plans to invest £1.5m in a bid to create a “more vibrant and varied” town centre.

Feedback from the consultation, which ran until June 19, is helping to shape the final blueprint plans, and is also helping the Council determine which projects to prioritise.

The blueprint itself is based on the key principles of celebrating community and inclusivity, creating a vibrant and active town with strong connectivity for everyone and creating a sustainable and healthy town with good access to parks and green spaces.

It aims to provide Heckmondwike with a stronger sense of place, by finding more ways to celebrate and add to the town’s culture, and through community events and markets.