The Yorkshire Town Facing a Retail Crisis as Big Names Leave
Huddersfield’s high street struggles as businesses close, leaving locals concerned about the future of their town
Huddersfield, UK, Retail, High Street, Business Closures
Huddersfield: Once a bustling hub, this Yorkshire town is now facing a tough time. The high street, which used to be the heart of the community, is looking pretty sad these days.
With a rich history as a mill town, Huddersfield should be thriving. It has a strong rugby league and football culture, but the retail scene is struggling. Reports say there are over 10 empty shops on New Street alone, and more closures are on the way.
Just this January, two bars, a brewery, and even a KFC shut their doors. It’s a tough blow for a town with over 140,000 residents. Locals are feeling the pinch, and many are worried about what’s next.
Peter Wilson, a 62-year-old resident, shared his thoughts. He feels the town’s best retail days are behind it and admits he’s feeling pretty cynical about the future. “It thoroughly depresses me,” he said, echoing the sentiments of many in the area.
Another local, Carl Morris, pointed out that high rents and issues like begging and anti-social behavior are driving people away. “It used to be a friendly place,” he lamented, noting that things have changed since Covid hit.
But not everyone is down in the dumps. Carl’s partner, Lisa, loves the second-hand market at Huddersfield Open Market, which runs on Tuesdays and Saturdays. It’s a little bright spot in an otherwise gloomy picture.
Shopper Aung also has his favorites, like Primark and Home Bargains. However, he wishes there were more family-friendly entertainment options. “Leeds feels exciting, but Huddersfield doesn’t anymore,” he said, stressing the need for more activities to keep families engaged.
Aung warned that if people keep flocking to Leeds and Manchester for fun, Huddersfield might just fade away. It’s a wake-up call for the town to find ways to bring back the buzz.