Developers have proposed that historic Huddersfield student accommodation, Storthes Hall, should be torn down to make way for new homes. The proposed plans would include the demolition of all non-grade II listed buildings at the accommodation in Kirkburton to make way for the construction of 261 new homes with more than 500 parking spots. Homes will range in size from one to five bedrooms.
The plans have been submitted to Kirklees Council and are currently waiting for approval, with the date for the decision expected to be on March 12th. The plans submitted by Ubrique Investments Ltd, would also include the landscaping of the surrounding area.
The plans for Storthes Hall (Ubrique Investment LTD)
Harry Peake, a long time resident at Storthes Hall said “it is a real shame, because Storthes was a great place, somewhere where I have made some real great memories.”
One resident said that “These changes come as no surprise as 40% of the flats currently sit vacant, I am deeply worried about where I will stay next year.”
Despite this in the application Ubrique investment has stated that there is more than enough accommodation available located closer to the university. The accommodation has been made available for rebooking for the next academic year, leaving tenants confused.
For many, Storthes Hall is a piece of Huddersfield’s history. Originally a grand court estate until being transformed into a psychiatric hospital in 1904 until it was eventually repurposed into student accommodation.
Storthes Hall Hospital (Wikipedia)