Huddersfield student property scheme worth £250m now underway

Redevelopment of the ‘long-disused’ Cooperative building in Huddersfield is now underway.

SKA Developments has commenced its work on the massive town-centre site, which represents the first stage of Kirklees Council’s Huddersfield blueprint, launched in June this year.

The building, which has stood empty for over two decades - last used as the town’s Heaven and Hell nightclub before the turn of the Millennium - will now be transformed into high-end student accommodation with 135 bedrooms across 75 student apartments.

SKA Developments, based in Huddersfield’s town centre, has received a loan from Kirklees Council Property Investment Fund (PFI), to support the refurbishment.

The investment will allow works to transform the derelict building into a grand, vibrant and thriving community for the town centre.

Its redevelopment is an important step forward in delivering the first stage of the council’s blueprint - supporting the vision to create a thriving, modern-day town centre.

Zeb Pervaiz, SKA Developments’ director, said: “It is fantastic to be able to start work on this project. SKA Developments have vast experience of working with historic, listed buildings and transforming them into vibrant, spectacular developments.

“The redevelopment of this iconic building is an important step forward into supporting Kirklees council’s vision and enables us to give back to the city region’s economy. This project will be one that the whole town can be proud of.”

The council granted SKA Developments planning permission in 2018 to renovate the building and to add an extension to the existing roof, creating an additional three floors.

Cllr Peter McBride, cabinet member for economy, added: “The project creates an exciting opportunity to bring this once neglected building back to life, and supports the council’s vision to create a thriving, modern-day town centre.

“The site is situated at a key gateway to the city, benefitting from its location close to main arterial routes, just minutes from the railway station and close to the town’s world-class education facilities.

“SKA Developments have already proven themselves as a business that’s committed to Kirklees and we’re excited to see the project progress.”