It's time to get used to some new terminology as the Dewsbury Learning Quarter or the DLQ, as it is presented on the architect's drawings, is submitted for planning approval.
The DLQ is a development for Kirklees College that will allow them to move out of the Wheelwright building on Halifax Road. Located in Northgate between the Bradford and Halifax Roads and adjacent to the recently revamped Lidl supermarket - you can find the full planning application here where the consultation is open until 23rd August - but here's a taster of what the new college will look like.
Hover over an image and click to get an expanded view.
1,600 students
With something like 1,600 students expected to be using the new college the increased activity near the town centre is expected to provide a boost for local businesses.
Construction and Motor Vehicle Training
The architects’ report said the Bradford Road proposals was “to build a new college building to include workshop spaces for construction and motor vehicle training as well as providing new classroom spaces for business, health and social care, Art and Design as well as Foundation. “The works are to be completed to allow Kirklees College to move from their current base at the Wheelwright building.”
Townscape Heritage Initiative
Meanwhile the Townscape Heritage Initiative work in Corporation Street has got off to a good start with lots of scaffolding in place as work begins - and the old Principal pub shown below has had a minor facelift to improve the appearance of the long empty building by placing some artistic decals along the length of the window space giving the impression of a cafe and upmarket clothes shop.
It might be a bit of a sham disguise but it certainly improves the appearance of the area.
And the THI team have taken the opportunity to include some marketing material of their own to explain the Heritage Lottery Funded project to passers by.
With The Hive recently relocated into Kingsway Arcade and work on Pioneer House also in the pipeline this area of town looks to have dramatically improving prospects.
