Huddersfield Station

[modernrail]

I have always wondered what went on inside the main central part of the building on the upper floors. You can see an elaborate looking staircase through a window but I have never managed to find any photos or description of what the central part was used for originally and what state the upper floors are in now.

I had hoped TRU would shine some light and maybe plan to bring the upper floors back into use but nothing has been mentioned as far as I am aware.

 

[CapabilityB]

I have always wondered what went on inside the main central part of the building on the upper floors. You can see an elaborate looking staircase through a window but I have never managed to find any photos or description of what the central part was used for originally and what state the upper floors are in now.

I had hoped TRU would shine some light and maybe plan to bring the upper floors back into use but nothing has been mentioned as far as I am aware.

Not quite sure what you mean by "central part", but TransPennine have their training centre on the upper floors above the entrance hall, along with office space for their team working on TRU.

 

[Spartacus]

I'd have imagined the space was originally intended to be offices for the Huddersfield & Manchester and Huddersfield and Sheffield railways, though possibly became largely redundant when they became part of the LNWR and respectively L&YR during construction. As even offices tend to get photographed or written about, I wonder if they just became storage areas, which don't?

 

[RHolmes]

I have always wondered what went on inside the main central part of the building on the upper floors.

I had hoped TRU would shine some light and maybe plan to bring the upper floors back into use but nothing has been mentioned as far as I am aware.

The upper floors are both in use.

The first floor is the training and development centre, and the second floor (in the roof) was used for storage for things such as uniform and old marketing materials. It also housed the 360º immersive projector room, used for training. I personally haven’t been up there for a while but there was talk of TPRU renting out the roof space which may or may not have occurred.

 

[DarloRich]

I had hoped TRU would shine some light and maybe plan to bring the upper floors back into use but nothing has been mentioned as far as I am aware.

i think they are already in use!

However, Huddersfield is a "standard" local railway company headquarters station. Built grandly with space for all of the back office and management people and to act as a statement of intent and importance.

The other interesting building near Hudds station is the goods shed on the far side - i hope that comes back into use.

 

[Brooke]

If I remember correctly, before they were used (again) by the railway, they were sublet to Britannia Rescue (car breakdown service) for their offices. I think that would have been from the early 1990s(?).

 

[Narrowgauge725]

Huddersfield Railway Circle had a room for many years, early 70s

 

[Brush 4]

I was there in September and a member of staff said that the goods warehouse is owned by someone in Dubai..... This immediately rang alarm bells, thinking of Ayr hotel and its distant unresponsive owner. As can be seen, nature is starting to invade. Up the side on the left and on top of and below the wagon hoist. I think NR or someone should establish contact to find out what the plans are, if any.

 

[Narrowgauge725]

I was there in September and a member of staff said that the goods warehouse is owned by someone in Dubai..... This immediately rang alarm bells, thinking of Ayr hotel and its distant unresponsive owner. As can be seen, nature is starting to invade. Up the side on the left and on top of and below the wagon hoist. I think NR or someone should establish contact to find out what the plans are, if any.View attachment 170374

In 00s Kirklees Council’s IT department were planning to move in, but of course it never happened.

 

[Tim_UK]

I was there in September and a member of staff said that the goods warehouse is owned by someone in Dubai

Unless it has changed in the last few years, the warehouse and carpark is owned by an interested offshore investor.

They were very aware of the building, its history and listing. And parts were available for use by various community groups.

They did reroof the building - at an enormous cost.

And the owner‘s staff were onsite everyday. And very knowledgeable and competent.

Also i‘m sure network rail know their neighbours because the car park is full of TPU (and has been for years now)

 

[Mister_v4]

You can see the reroof on Google Street View timeline. It happened between 2015 -2016

 

[Halifaxlad]

I was once told by a station supervisor that the upstairs used to be a hotel orignally.

Eitherway it would be a great if it could be used by the local community. Does anybody know if there is a lift to it ?

 

[modernrail]

To clarify which bit I am talking about - it is the 1st floor of the central part of the station (so not the wings) as shown in the attached photo.

Does anybody know if the rooms have any original architectural merit - or have they been messed around with so they are not really that interesting.

I have always imagined grand high ceilings and cornice with very big windows

 

[Halifaxlad]

To clarify which bit I am talking about - it is the 1st floor of the central part of the station (so not the wings) as shown in the attached photo.

To clarify that is also the bit I was refering to!

 

[Narrowgauge725]

To clarify which bit I am talking about - it is the 1st floor of the central part of the station (so not the wings) as shown in the attached photo.

Does anybody know if the rooms have any original architectural merit - or have they been messed around with so they are not really that interesting.

I have always imagined grand high ceilings and cornice with very big windows

They were in poor state last time I was in but that would be early 70s I believe that a breakdown company took them over as offices so I wouldn’t expect there to be much of note.

 

[yorksrob]

I always imagine Dr Emmett Brown sliding down from the portico on a cable .

 

[61653 HTAFC]

I was once told by a station supervisor that the upstairs used to be a hotel orignally.

Eitherway it would be a great if it could be used by the local community. Does anybody know if there is a lift to it ?

I don't think it was ever a hotel, as the nearby George Hotel was opened not too long after the station itself.
I'm not convinced we need any more so-called "community hubs" taking up valuable real estate. It feels like everything becomes something like that these days... and it usually ends up getting trashed or under-used.

 

[jimm]

I don't think it was ever a hotel, as the nearby George Hotel was opened not too long after the station itself.
I'm not convinced we need any more so-called "community hubs" taking up valuable real estate. It feels like everything becomes something like that these days... and it usually ends up getting trashed or under-used.

My understanding is that when the building was designed, it was certainly the intention that the central block would be a hotal and refreshment rooms - with the Hudderfield & Manchester and Lancashire & Yorkshie booking offices located in the two end porticos - even if the hotel may have succumbed to competition from The George at an early stage.

The Historic England official listing for the station says: "The central part housed elaborate refreshment rooms which functioned until at least 1883". I assume this is a reference to the use of the ground floor.

Huddersfield Railway Station, Non Civil Parish - 1277385 | Historic England

List entry 1277385. Grade I Listed Building: Huddersfield Railway Station. May include summary, reasons for designation and history.

historicengland.org.uk

 

[Oldgaloot]

Nice to see the statue of Harold Wilson in the forecourt in Modernrail's pic.

 

[duffield]

I always imagine Dr Emmett Brown sliding down from the portico on a cable .

Well, Huddersfield station is a wee bit more extensive and magnificent than the tiny little town hall in Hill Valley!

But thanks for the mention, it's reminded me to add tracks like "The Power of Love" and "Mr. Sandman" to my new playlist.

 

[yorksrob]

Well, Huddersfield station is a wee bit more extensive and magnificent than the tiny little town hall in Hill Valley!

But thanks for the mention, it's reminded me to add tracks like "The Power of Love" and "Mr. Sandman" to my new playlist.

And "Earth Angel" !

 

[modernrail]

It is really interesting to learn about the reasons for the grandeur but also the going’s on between the two companies.

I find it pretty strange that the upstairs floor of such a prominent building to all in Huddersfield is such a mystery in some ways. It always used to intrigue me when I was young… what goes on upstairs. Especially with the flash of an elaborate staircase you can see through the ground floor window. It really is a gem of a station.

It might be nice to see it open up as something. There is a shared office company that has made great use of similar spaces in some of the stations in London.

Still intrigued as so what the space actually looks like now if anybody finds any photos!

I will add that I really done get the design of the new over platform roof and proposed new architecture in general. I don’t believe in pastiche but the proposed design just doesn’t work for me personally. I don’t see/get the references between it and the existing station. I am sure the architects have had a good go but I can’t help feeling there are better design options. For instance emulating the slender nature of the roof in the existing station but in a newer material/design, rather than the quite lumpy/thick roof proposed. It also looks like a lot of weight without/mass without a purpose.

 

[Dave S 56F]

Just a slight thread drift on here I've always thought that the old goods warehouse at huddersfield was to be used as leisure facility's and office space when I once watched a 1960,s pennine steam video of then and now huddersfield railway station and the railway to stanedge tunnels.
Edit I always wondered at wakefield Kirkgate station building former booking hall was/is and could still be reused as.
At one point wake kirkgate had 3 different railway companies going through midland lancashire & Yorkshire and great northern. I know one of the rooms in Wake kirkgate is a cafe not sure what the 1st floor rooms are/was used for maybe the station staff in pre grouping days?

 

[Tim_UK]

Just a slight thread drift on here I've always thought that the old goods warehouse at huddersfield was to be used as leisure facility's and office space when I once watched a 1960,s pennine steam video of then and now huddersfield railway station and the railway to stanedge tunnels.
Edit I always wondered at wakefield Kirkgate station building former booking hall was/is and could still be reused as.
At one point wake kirkgate had 3 different railway companies going through midland lancashire & Yorkshire and great northern. I know one of the rooms in Wake kirkgate is a cafe not sure what the 1st floor rooms are/was used for maybe the station staff in pre grouping days?

There are 2 goods warehouses. The huge one mainly looks inside like it is still a warehouse. It does have some office areas and an event space, but his this a very small proportion of the whole building.

The one nearer to the tunnels is the Brian Jackson centre, and that has all sorts of users. Very much modern building inside. Meeting rooms, office space, charity offices ....

 

[YorksLad12]

Just a slight thread drift on here I've always thought that the old goods warehouse at huddersfield was to be used as leisure facility's and office space when I once watched a 1960,s pennine steam video of then and now huddersfield railway station and the railway to stanedge tunnels.
Edit I always wondered at wakefield Kirkgate station building former booking hall was/is and could still be reused as.
At one point wake kirkgate had 3 different railway companies going through midland lancashire & Yorkshire and great northern. I know one of the rooms in Wake kirkgate is a cafe not sure what the 1st floor rooms are/was used for maybe the station staff in pre grouping days?

I worked on the Kirkgate restoration project back in the day (comms role - I didn't actually restore anything!) - the ground floor was slated to be Grand Central First Class Lounge, cafe/shop and taxi firm. Groundwork Wakefield were going to take the offices and open plan space on the first floor. I might have some snaps from my phone somewhere; it looked quite nice afterwards, especially when compared with the "mind where you stand" condition beforehand. I'd have liked the roof by the subway on the island to have extended a bit further out for sheltering purposes, but I suppose something had to give.

On topic: I'm sure I've been upstairs at Huddersfield for a meeting with First, but can't for the life of me tell you when - must be 15 years ago now.

 

[urbophile]

Huddersfield station reminds me of Chester, though grander. Impressive buildings seen from the street but a dismal jungle once you are inside. Hopefully the current work being done will improve that environment.

 

[duffield]

Huddersfield station reminds me of Chester, though grander. Impressive buildings seen from the street but a dismal jungle once you are inside. Hopefully the current work being done will improve that environment.

It's not all dismal inside though. I found parts of the wings' ground floors** quite un-dismal a couple of weeks ago, so much so that I'm visiting again tomorrow.


** i.e. The parts known as "The Head of Steam" and "The Kings Head".

 

[urbophile]

It's not all dismal inside though. I found parts of the wings' ground floors** quite un-dismal a couple of weeks ago, so much so that I'm visiting again tomorrow.


** i.e. The parts known as "The Head of Steam" and "The Kings Head".

I was referring more to the platforms and the station generally, rather than the inside of the main buildings. But although I enjoyed a pie and a pint in the Head of Steam last week, the pub is looking more than a little scruffy and needs a refurb (though not gentrification!)

 

[modernrail]

For me, the biggest single thing they could do to make the station feel better on the platform is to put glass side walls into the main sheds (and the new roof when it comes) to give the shed area a better enclosed feel and take the wind away in winter.

I know they are fully restoring the lantern in the middle of the roof which is great but the position of the station means wind seems to get in quite easily, especially any winter northerly.

 

[yorksrob]

I worked on the Kirkgate restoration project back in the day (comms role - I didn't actually restore anything!) - the ground floor was slated to be Grand Central First Class Lounge, cafe/shop and taxi firm.

They all arrived at one time or another, although I don't think the GC lounge ever opened. The cafe has reopened now, which is handy.