Numbers to Know
The numbers tell a compelling story. From 2004 to 2022, GDP per hour worked in Kirklees and Calderdale increased by 25.7%. This growth lags behind Manchester’s 33.7% but significantly outpaces nearby regions. For instance, Bradford saw a 17% increase, Leeds 11%, and Wakefield struggled with a mere 2%.
Special Location
What drove this growth? A crucial figure stands out: only 10,000 working people in the North can reach the region’s four major cities and Manchester Airport within an hour. These individuals reside in or near Huddersfield. This accessibility is highly attractive to urbanites from Manchester and Leeds. Rebecca Eatwell, head of Font Comms, is one such person who moved from Chorlton to Huddersfield’s well-connected outskirts in 2019. In her village, former Manchester and Leeds residents have opened a trendy kids’ shop, a chic diner, and more.
City Exodus
“I wouldn’t have moved here unless they’d opened up the train line from my village… Whilst the town at the moment feels pretty unloved, it’s got huge potential, and if some of the regeneration projects mooted in the 10-year blueprint come off it could become West Yorkshire’s next go-to destination,” says Eatwell.
It’s All About Connections
Henri Murison, chief executive of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, emphasizes that Huddersfield’s economic growth is all about connectivity. “Huddersfield is like the canary in the coal mine for Northern Powerhouse Rail – because it shows that connectivity makes towns more prosperous.” He has commissioned further research to prove the point. “If you could only do one thing to boost regional growth, then you would improve connectivity. Lack of it is a binding constraint, it’s one of the key reasons the North is less productive than the South,”
But, Money
Is a potential Labour government promising the infrastructure investment needed? Not exactly. The manifesto mentions a 10-year infrastructure strategy aligned with industrial strategy and regional development priorities, including improved rail connectivity across the North. However, the focus seems to be more on planning than immediate funding.
Commuters are Super
In Labour-run Kirklees, leaders are optimistic about the manifesto’s promises but stress that better transport infrastructure is crucial for growth. Once seen with some hesitation, commuters are now fully embraced. Sir John Harman, Huddersfield Unlimited chair and former Kirklees Council Leader, says, “There was once a question about growing our commuter hinterland, but with working from home, there’s no longer a choice between wealth creation and commuting economies. Huddersfield’s access to big cities means economic development is now closely tied to residential growth.” He suggests that adding cultural assets like restaurants and entertainment would enhance the town’s appeal.
Plans Afoot
Kirklees Council is addressing the cultural and lifestyle aspect with a £1bn investment plan. Last June, BAM was selected to deliver the first phase of “Our Cultural Heart,” a comprehensive revamp of Huddersfield town centre. This project includes refurbishing the former Queensgate Market and Huddersfield Library buildings to house a vibrant food hall, a modern museum, and a gallery. The council has allocated £16.7m of Levelling Up Funds and accepted £48m for the Penistone rail line upgrade, along with additional funding for Dewsbury and an investment zone.
But Money, Again
Will there be more funding? Potential Chancellor Rachel Reeves is not expected to announce a flood of infrastructure spending. Maintaining existing investment zones and levelling-up funding is crucial. Sir John Harman notes, “The risk is to the investment planned as a lever for growth. If it suddenly evaporates, we’d lose momentum. It’s important to learn from the new government that those plans are still in place.”
Heard This Before
If Labour succeeds, announcements from Angela Rayner on planning reform and the Green Belt could influence growth, though not as dramatically as infrastructure spending might. Henri Murison notes that improved connectivity can open up more housing sites. “The North’s problem isn’t a lack of affordable housing but that wages are below average in poorly connected areas.”
Land Questions
Huddersfield’s growth might benefit from more land, though it’s hard to say. A 2020 employment land review wasn’t published, but the 2019 version noted limited available land. A 2023 report suggested that Kirklees was using up employment land at the same rate it was being provided. Housing land is also in short supply, with a recent report indicating a 3.96-year supply, down from the desired five-year supply. Calderdale’s urban extensions could help, but developers need more options.
Savills development director Simon Douglas sums it up: “Huddersfield needs both the infrastructure and the land.” With a new government likely, Huddersfield’s rapid growth should attract attention. We’ll soon see if it does.
