Agenda item

The Panel will consider an update on the Huddersfield Station Gateway Programmes.

Contacts:

Richard Hollinson, Head of Major Projects

Simon Taylor, Head of Town Centre Programmes

The Panel considered an update on the Huddersfield Station Gateway (part of the delivery programme associated with Huddersfield Blueprint) which was presented by Edward Highfield, Service Director – Skills and Regeneration. Edward explained that:

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·         The key projects included were the: (i) Huddersfield Train Station (ii) TransPennine Route Upgrade (referred to as TRU), (iii) St. George’s Warehouse (iv) George Hotel and Estate Buildings

·         The Transport and Work Act Order (to authorise the construction/operation of new transport infrastructure projects) had now been confirmed and delivery of the TRU had now commenced.

·         As part of the TRU project, key elements of the upgrade at Huddersfield Station included:

o   Re-arranging and lengthening the existing platforms and the widening of platform 1.

o   A new platform on the west side of the station (between platform 8 and the warehouse)

o   A new foot bridge, constructed towards the northern end of the platforms, and an extension of the under pass.

o   New canopies constructed at the northern end of the platforms, and the Penistone Line canopy was to be extended northwards.

o   Overhead Line Equipment (OLE) was to be introduced throughout the station, (except for the Penistone Line).

·         The completion of the TRU was estimated for Summer 2026.

·         Alongside the delivery of the core train station projects, it was important for the Council to find ways to maximise the benefits of Network Rails investment across the wider station gateway area.

·         The Council had drawn up proposals in the Huddersfield Rail Station Connections plan in the Transforming Cities Fund (TCF).

·         This included 6 projects, funded through the West Yorkshire Combined Authority to help prepare the surrounding area for TRU.

·         The £16 million scheme would focus on improving principal streets and ring road junctions.

·         Northumberland Street was noted as a critical route into the town centre and would be included in the improvements through the TCF investment.

·         Pedestrianisation of Northumberland Street was a key priority as per feedback from consultations and stakeholder engagement.

·         Attractiveness of the area was also important; designs and visuals were being developed for a second round of consultations later in the year.

·         The next steps included the development of a jointly funded and sponsored Masterplan, produced in partnership with key partners. 

·         The West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Network Rail and TransPennine Express and HD1 developments were the key active partners.

·         They shared the Councils ambition to maximise the rail investment across the areas surrounding the train station.

·         This was in the collective understanding that the customer experience began at their journey to and from the station.

·         TransPennine Express had identified that the train station was underserved by car parking.

·         A key area of regeneration for the station included, St. George's Warehouse and a new Station Square

·         St. George's Warehouse was owned by and managed by HD1 Developments Ltd.

·         Working HD1 Developments Ltd, the aim was to identify better use for this site (i.e.- car parking, office space, apartments or other leisure uses) and connect the warehouse to the town.

In the discussion to follow the Panel wanted to know what consideration had been given to bus connectivity and the implementation of clean air zones in the town centre.

In response, Edward Highfield explained that increased bus use was the long-term ambition but would require significant modal shift in the way people choose to travel. There was potential use the eastern entrance to the Station as a drop off point to remove a significant amount of traffic from the town centre and free up space to the front of the station for buses. In relation to the question about clean air zones, Edward advised that there were no legal mandates from the Government to implement these in Huddersfield and that there were currently no voluntary arrangements in place.

The Panel noted that having car parking provision to the rear of station would be of benefit but questioned if this would be enough to reduce congestion at peak times.  When considering the challenge of balancing the conflict between pedestrians and traffic, the Panel highlighted that the model used here could be replicated across the town centre regeneration projects. Edward Highfield further advised that forecasts had been received from TransPennine Express which would help inform how best to reduce congestion in more detail and it was agreed that this information be provided to a future meeting of the Panel.

In respect of the Warehouse the Panel, wanted to know if the Council and HD1 Developments plans were aligned as well as highlighting the key opportunity for future workspace in this location. The Panel further added that in any new car parking provision should now include electric vehicle charging facilities.

In response, Edward Highfield explained that HD1 Developments Limited were the asset owner of the Warehouse and were responsible for any final decisions in relation to future of the building. The Council were collaborating with HD1 Developments to ask what they needed to achieve a shared vision for the space, and Edward confirmed that workspace was a key option. Edward also agreed to take on board the Panels comment on the issue of EV Charging points highlighting that it was important to set the example for the future.

The Panel noted that other successful towns and cities had prioritized pedestrianisation and requested that the Council was bolder in its approach. In response, Edward Highfield agreed but advised that it was also important to understand the various challenges and complexities in terms of servicing and access. Edward also explained that the Council had some examples of where pedestrianisation had worked well to support a bold approach. This included the widening of pavements to allow cafes and restaurants to add additional outdoor seating to comply with Covid-19 restrictions during the pandemic. 

The Panel highlighted that the connectivity between buses and trains was key to reducing maximum journey times and suggested that the Combined Authority should be involved to ensure oversite across both services when master planning. Edward Highfield responded to agree and advised that an upcoming workshop ‘The Last Mile’ was to be held in respect of improving journey times as a whole. 

The Panel wanted to know what the estimated timescales were for the Masterplans. Edward Highfield advised that output was scheduled for early 2023 and it was agreed that the plans be provided to a future meeting of the Panel when the level of detail was appropriate.

In respect of the Station to Stadium Corridor, the Panel wanted to know if consideration was to be given to the ease of access noting that some routes were not easy to walk. Edward Highfield responded to reassure the Panel that this was a key issue that the master plan aimed to address, and that movement would be a key area of focus in the wider plan.

At the conclusion of the discussion, it was agreed that the Panel also be provided with the Winter 2022 Consultation Plans by email, noting the importance of checking that the language used was accessible from lay person viewpoint, and that HD1 Developments Ltd be invited to a future meeting of the Panel.

RESOLVED: The Panel noted the update on the Huddersfield Station Gateway, and it was agreed that:

1.    The passenger number forecasts and options for reducing congestion be provided to a future meeting of the Panel.

2.    All new car parking provisions should include electric vehicle charging facilities.

3.    The Masterplans be provided to a future meeting of the Panel when the level of detail is appropriate.

4.    The Winter 2022 Consultation Plans be provided to the Panel by email.

5.    HD1 Developments Ltd be invited to a future meeting of the Panel.