Issue - meetings

To receive an update to Cabinet on the development of a Masterplan for Huddersfield Station Gateway and consider the approval of the Masterplan and proposed next steps.

Contact: David Wildman, Skills and Regeneration

1)    That the report and Masterplan document be received and noted.

2)    That approval be given to the Masterplan.

3)    That authority be delegated to the Executive Director for Place, in consultation with the Cabinet Member (Finance and Regeneration), to adopt the plan and publish it on the Council’s website to form the basis for funding bids and investment decisions in the masterplan area.

4)    That authority be delegated to the Executive Director for Place, in consultation with the Service Director for Legal Governance, and Commissioning, Service Director for Finance and the Cabinet Member for Finance and Regeneration to (i) progress continued engagement with partners to explore funding opportunities (ii) engage with partners, progress market engagement and explore development partner options, and (iii) enter any appropriate agreements with WYCA and other partners to further develop the masterplan in line with the Council’s policies and constitution.

5)    That authority be delegated to the Service Director Legal, Governance and Commissioning to enter into, on behalf of the Council, any external funding agreements or legal agreements related to the Masterplan as appropriate and in accordance with the Contract and Finance Procedure Rules.

6)    That it be noted that authority related to the procurement of a development partner, and specific projects which emerge from the Masterplan, and associated details regarding funding and delivery, will return to Cabinet for approval as required.

(Under the provision of Council Procedure Rule 36(1), Cabinet received  representations from Councillors Darwan and Scott).

Cabinet received a report which provided an update on the development of a Masterplan for Huddersfield Gateway Station and sought approval of the proposed next steps.

The report advised that the Huddersfield Station Gateway Masterplan provided a strategic framework designed to drive regeneration and investment in Huddersfield town centre and set out a vision to transform the Station Gateway into a dynamic and inclusive transport hub, enhancing connectivity, supporting economic growth, and inspiring wider regeneration.

Cabinet were advised that the proposals centred around opportunities presented by the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU), and integrated key assets including Huddersfield Railway Station, St George’s Warehouse, The George Hotel, and St George’s Square, and that it also aligned with other major initiatives such as the Huddersfield Blueprint, Our Cultural Heart, and the Station to Stadium Enterprise Corridor.

The report explained that approval of the masterplan would establish a clear framework for future project development, partnership working, and stakeholder engagement, and that the ambition was for the masterplan to guide the preparation of business cases and funding strategies for individual projects, ensuring readiness to capitalise on future opportunities and deliver long-term benefits for Huddersfield and the wider district.

RESOLVED –

1)    That the report and Masterplan document be received and noted.

2)    That approval be given to the Masterplan.

3)    That authority be delegated to the Executive Director for Place, in consultation with the Cabinet Member (Finance and Regeneration), to adopt the plan and publish it on the Council’s website to form the basis for funding bids and investment decisions in the masterplan area.

4)    That authority be delegated to the Executive Director for Place, in consultation with the Service Director for Legal Governance, and Commissioning, Service Director for Finance and the Cabinet Member for Finance and Regeneration to (i) progress continued engagement with partners to explore funding opportunities (ii) engage with partners, progress market engagement and explore development partner options, and (iii) enter any appropriate agreements with WYCA and other partners to further develop the masterplan in line with the Council’s policies and constitution.

5)    That authority be delegated to the Service Director Legal, Governance and Commissioning to enter into, on behalf of the Council, any external funding agreements or legal agreements related to the Masterplan as appropriate and in accordance with the Contract and Finance Procedure Rules.

6)    That it be noted that authority related to the procurement of a development partner, and specific projects which emerge from the Masterplan, and associated details regarding funding and delivery, will return to Cabinet for approval as required.