Outline plans for the University of Huddersfield’s new Health Innovation Campus have been revealed.
The facility, which includes an eight-storey block, is earmarked for the site of the former Huddersfield Sports Centre on the ring road.
The investment could be worth as much as £250m.
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The 6.6-acre parcel of land is planned to be sub-divided into seven key development plots, with the first phase comprising a “landmark building” of approximately 5,000sqm to be positioned adjacent to Crown House at the gateway to the site.
A multi-storey car park is proposed for the rear of Crown House, accessed from Old Leeds Road, with the five remaining plots arranged around the north-eastern section of the site and separated by landscaping/public realm and accessible routes through it.
The package of buildings off Southgate/Leeds Road is set to include offices, research and development facilities, shops and a gym.
An anonymous message supporting the scheme, received by Kirklees Council, said: “To have this type of university and campus is one of the best [things] that could happen to all of us in Huddersfield.
“Huddersfield is thriving. Thank you for that.”
The plans, described as “a major application”, will come before next week’s meeting of the council’s Strategic Planning Committee (Aug 26) and have been recommended for approval.
The site of the former sports centre, understood to be valued between £3m and £4m, was categorised as a prime site within Huddersfield town centre, and was previously eyed by West Yorkshire Police as well as the university.
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It was being considered as the base for a new divisional headquarters for the force.
However it emerged last winter that the university had stepped up to buy it.
Disposing of the site – part of which has recently been turned into a temporary car park – generated “a significant capital receipt” for the council, which will be re-invested in delivering its Huddersfield Blueprint ambitions.
Development is expected to take place over a number of phases, with “a prominent gateway building” proposed during Phase 1 to be opened for the start of academic year 2024/25.
The campus is aimed at helping to develop the next cohort of health professionals.
Among those who have previously applauded the move are Huddersfield MP Barry Sheerman and senior councillor Peter McBride, who has spearheaded regeneration plans for the town.
Clr McBride said: “We could see an investment worth up to £250m into this site, and as a major employer and investor in the town, the university is well placed to make the most of it, bringing new people to the town and increasing footfall at this key gateway.
“At a time when the importance of our healthcare colleagues has never been clearer, supporting a development which will help grow that workforce, improve research and support the ongoing training of local practitioners has to be a good thing.”
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