By KLTV Newsdesk –

Organisers and visitors raise concerns over impact of proposed changes to Huddersfield Open Market

Proposals by Kirklees Council to significantly alter Huddersfield Open Market have raised concerns about the future of the long-running Auto Jumble, an event that has taken place for more than 50 years and attracts visitors from across the UK.

The Auto Jumble is held monthly throughout the spring and autumn and is widely regarded as a major draw for Huddersfield town centre.

Organisers and supporters say the event brings substantial footfall and visitor spending, with a significant proportion of attendees travelling from outside the local area.

Visitor Data Highlights Regional and National Reach

Data collected at the January Auto Jumble indicates the breadth of its appeal. According to organisers:

• 37% of visitors travelled from outside Kirklees but within West Yorkshire
• 23% came from within Kirklees
• Visitors attended from locations including Newcastle, Penrith, Manchester and London

Organisers say these figures compare favourably with attendance at the town’s Saturday and Tuesday collectables and second-hand markets, suggesting Huddersfield Open Market plays a key role in driving visitor numbers to the town centre.

Organisers Warn Event May Not Continue

Despite the event’s longevity and visitor numbers, concerns have been raised that the council’s current redevelopment proposals would prevent the Auto Jumble from continuing.

Jeff Needham of Phoenix Fairs, which organises the Auto Jumble, said the plans would leave no viable option for the event to operate.

“The proposed plans give no realistic chance for the Auto Jumble to continue – even with the so-called temporary structure taken into account. I am devastated. The reduction in stall space and the overall design mean the event cannot run in its current form – if at all.”

Mr Needham said he believed the market building required maintenance rather than a full redesign.

“This building doesn’t need gutting or redesigning. It needs basic care: a repaired roof, decent toilets and a lick of paint. For years, maintenance has been neglected. And yet, when people see the market for the first time, they are blown away – they take photos of the building as well as the event.”

He also highlighted the wider economic impact of the Auto Jumble on the town.

“We have stallholders and customers travelling from London, Edinburgh and beyond. They don’t just come to the market – they spend money across the town. Why would the council want to drive that away?”

Previous Maintenance Cited as Alternative Approach

Mr Needham pointed to historical examples of major maintenance work being carried out without closing the market entirely.

“We carried on trading with no loss of days and no loss of income. There is no reason this couldn’t happen again – if the council drops these damaging plans.”

Policy Concerns Raised by Local Think Tank

Andrew Wilson, Director of West Yorkshire think-tank Same Skies and a regular market shopper, said the proposals appeared to conflict with the council’s wider objectives.

“Only last week the cabinet approved the ‘Destination Kirklees’ tourism strategy – yet at the same time they are dismantling one of Huddersfield’s most successful visitor attractions. The open market already does exactly what the council claims it wants to achieve.”

Visitors Call for Reconsideration

Regular attendees have also voiced concerns about the potential loss of the event. One long-standing visitor said the market building and event were central to their continued visits to Huddersfield.

“Kirklees Council needs to rethink this now. Preserve the building as it is – we love it. If these changes go ahead, I and my customers will have no reason to come to Huddersfield at all.”