By Daniel Wood
Kirklees Council shut the busiest car park they run as concerns rise about the worn-out 50-year-old structure.
A leading Huddersfield town centre car park will close for several weeks due to concerns about its safety.
The Market Hall Car Park, which is situated next to Queensgate Market (pictured above), is over 50 years old and has been ‘fixed’ a number of times by Kirklees Council.
Inspectors have “highlighted deterioration to the structure” of the popular car park, which is Huddersfield’s second most used car park.
It has now been opted to close by council chiefs until further notice.
The closure will commence from 6 pm on Friday.
A closer inspection about the condition of the building will take place, according to a council spokesperson.
This means it will be closed for at least the next four weeks while this is completed.
They added: “Users of the car park may have noticed that this has already begun and a number of spaces have been out of use because of this.
“Continuation of this work will mean the whole car park will now have to close.”
In 2016, the council revealed that the 588-space Alfred Street car park would get £750k spent on it for repairs.
There was a feeling that the building might have to be demolished and the council confirmed they were looking at proposals for beyond April 2019.
During the launch of the Huddersfield Blueprint last June, the prospect of demolition of the site was suggested again.
The blueprints showed a new high-rise building in its place.
Director Statement
Karl Battersby, Strategic Director for Economy and Infrastructure, said: “We apologise for any inconvenience caused and will be in contact with further announcements in the coming weeks.
“Our absolute priority has to be the safety of the public and with works ongoing in the building to ensure its future safety, we will have to close the car park until this is complete.
“We have explored options to retain the use of the building whilst these works are carried out but have come to the conclusion it is more appropriate to close the building.
“Whilst these inspection works are carried out we do have a number of alternative car parks for people to use.”