Huddersfield Market Traders Fear Eviction Amid Renovation Plans

Traders at Huddersfield Open Market, a beloved institution since the late 1800s, are voicing significant apprehension regarding proposed £16.5 million renovation plans. Kirklees Council's blueprint for the Grade II* listed building includes a greater mix of traders, enhanced accessibility, and dedicated areas for hot food vendors and a bar. However, current stallholders fear these changes will lead to their eviction and a loss of variety that defines the market's appeal. They argue the proposed upgrades, part of a larger £250 million town centre project, fail to recognize the current market's strengths and the invaluable expertise of its vendors.

Traders like Alex Mettrick, who has sold vintage items for years, emphasize the need for renovations but lament that the current plans could "wreck a lot of lives." They advocate for a co-design process, championed by campaigners and supported by over 1,000 signatories. This alternative approach aims to integrate the knowledge of traders, visitors, and professionals to find solutions within six weeks, ensuring the market's character is preserved. They feel their input is crucial for a successful and sustainable future for the market.

Kirklees Council states it has been "engaging closely with traders and industry experts," asserting that the improvements are designed to celebrate the town's history and character while ensuring the market's long-term viability. Despite these assurances, traders like Sonia Hillary worry that a reduction in stall numbers and wider aisles will diminish the market's unique variety, potentially driving customers away. The ongoing debate highlights a conflict between modernization efforts and the preservation of a cherished community hub and its traders' livelihoods.