“Retail will never be what it was, but hopefully there are things planned which will help the town centre pick up.”
Huddersfield residents have reflected and commented upon the perceived ‘decline’ of the town centre, the number of empty units, and what the future holds, with big regeneration schemes at the forefront of many people’s minds such as the Cultural Heart project and the transformation of the Piazza area.
YorkshireLive readers have mixed views on the current state of the town centre and how things might improve in light of shoppers’ opinions who said they would continue visiting the town centre.
Below are a range of opinions from readers.
Smuggy Spliff wrote: “People find things to do, places to go, but hope for better things. Retail will never be what it was, but hopefully there are things planned which will help the town centre pick up.
“Everyone that can should try and support Huddersfield – just telling everyone to stay away really isn’t helping.”
Goldenheart, who has lived in Huddersfield for 52 years, said they now visited Barnsley as it was a “fantastic shopping town.”
“I’d love to see Huddersfield come back but I honestly don’t think it ever will.”
Empty shop unit in New Street, Huddersfield town centre
Poster Honestyhonesty said: “We have some fantastic local independent shops spread out across Huddersfield. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could entice them into the town centre. I’d love to see independent local businesses thrive in town. The only problem is high parking charges and high rents all adds up to greed .It’s greed that’s killing Huddersfield town centre and nothing else.”
Indykid said: “Huddersfield is really no different from any other British town or city. Been completely decimated by underinvestment in the name of austerity. The roads are potholed, council owned property is either falling apart or being sold to try and keep essential services going and the population are divided in a way we’ve never experienced before. Populism has a lot to answer for.”
And Dwconspiracies posted: “As a visitor I find Huddersfield folk pleasant and welcoming generally. The town centre may not look attractive any more but I still enjoy a walk around and reminisce. My main liking of Huddersfield is its architecture, especially the railway station and the surrounding area.”
Charlygordon wrote: “Retail parks destroyed towns like Huddersfield, took all the trade away from the town centre, small independent shops struggled due to this so a massive error by town planning, they’ve no interest in the larger picture or food chain, everything to appease big businesses.”
Gag said: “I live between Huddersfield and Barnsley. For me it’s Barnsley every time. It’s a lovely shopping centre.”
Marsdener wrote: “Town centre decline is inevitable unless the internet giants like Amazon are properly taxed and business rates made more reasonable. A national problem needs national solutions.”
Robert Lister emailed his own views, in response to an article on shoppers’ opinions, and urged people to think about the positives.
He said: “Think it’s time to get on with the future positives of Huddersfield town centre instead of the negative points which you love to throw about, and I’m not one bit amused.
“The next article should be about what is happening to the town in the next couple of years – grim reapers like you are not going to get us anywhere.”
Maximus Gardinious wrote: “Granted the council has been some what lacking. But the answer is in your hands at the May elections. People get the government they deserve.”
Get all the latest and breaking Huddersfield news straight to your inbox by signing up to our daily newsletter here.