Cabinet members will make a decision on whether to sell the former sports centre site at Southgate in Huddersfield at their meeting on 18 November. 

The council has received an offer from the University of Huddersfield, who are looking to buy the site in order to develop a healthcare hub to provide training for future nurses, and other health professionals.

If agreed the 6.296 acre site could see  substantial investment into a National Health Innovation Campus; including research, teaching and learning facilities, associated infrastructure and related businesses.  

The university is proposing to develop the site in a number of phases, with a prominent gateway building proposed during phase 1 to be opened for the start of academic year 2024/25.

The council will also make sure there are improved pedestrian links from the site into the centre as part of the development.

Cllr Peter Mcbride, Cabinet Member for Regeneration said: 

“We could see an investment worth up to £250M into this site, and as a major employer and investor in the town,  the university is well placed to make the most of it, bringing new people to the town and increasing footfall at this key gateway.  The income generated from the sale will go towards the development of other blueprint projects in the town, maximising the economic benefits of the proposal.’

“At a time when the importance of our healthcare colleagues has never been clearer, supporting a development which will help grow that workforce, improve research and support the ongoing training of local practitioners has to be a good thing.’

“A centre like the one proposed by the University could bring the skills needed for our national healthcare service, including the nursing expertise to fight any future pandemics right into the centre of Huddersfield.’

“As an added benefit, I think we could see many of the new health care practitioners studying at this site choosing to stay in Kirklees after graduating. benefitting both the local economy and the health of local people.”