Infirmary back in view as bulldozers flatten college
DEMOLITION work on Huddersfield Technical College is rapidly progressing, giving passers by a glimpse of a once-glorious listed building.
The former Huddersfield Infirmary stands crumbling at the centre of the site that sits off Trinity Street on the outskirts of the town centre. This six-acre plot of land will be used to house the regeneration project known as Trinity One.
In February, the Examiner reported that as part of the major £43million plans, the hospital building on the site will be retained and turned into 229 apartments and an office complex. The apartments are expected to be for older or retired people.
This project will also see the creation of a new Lidl with 127 car parking spaces, taking the place of the old college. The supermarket intends to relocate its existing Castlegate store to the new, larger premises when it is completed.
According to Historic England: “Huddersfield’s first infirmary was opened in 1831 to designs by architect John Oates. It was built in response to concerns about industrial accidents and funded by public donations.
“Originally set in landscaped gardens, its grand entrance was modelled on a Greek temple. Through later additions, its accommodation grew from 20 beds to 85 by 1885. It was last in use as a college. The roof is leaking significantly causing damage to the roof structure, walls and interior. The building has been subject to heritage crime.
“Its re-use forms part of a major mixed use development proposal, Trinity West.”
By 1965, the hospital had completely moved sites to its current location at Lindley. The facility was formally opened by Prime Minister Harold Wilson in 1967.
The Technical College building that also dates back to the 1960s has now been reduced to rubble.
For almost a decade, the building has been abused by vandals, leading it to become a source of embarrassment for residents living nearby.