Plans for Landmark Green Roof at Huddersfield Bus Station Redevelopment

PLANS ARE IN for a £20 million redevelopment of Huddersfield bus station,including a 120m long green roof and Solar PV canopy.

The plans are being submitted by Stephen George + Partners (SGP) in conjunction with AHR. The bus station transformation is a partnership between Kirklees Metropolitan Borough Council and West Yorkshire Combined Authority. They will create a gateway to the revitalised town centre along with enhanced passenger facilities.

Alistair Branch, Partner at SGP, explains: “Huddersfield is the largest bus station in West Yorkshire.

“The unique roof canopy structure has a contemporary design, reminiscent of the rolling Yorkshire landscape.

“SGP has been involved in the project for several years, developing the canopy from initial concept, through business case approval to the design now submitted for planning approval.”

The plans, submitted on 13 August to Kirklees Metropolitan Borough Council show a biodiverse roof. The roof is supported by a glulan roof structure which will have an exposed natural finish.

The green roof includes a sedum green roof covering, 148 solar photovoltaic rooflight panels and mansafe access points. The green roof is bounded with a gravel margin, plank effect soffits and an exposed concrete upstand.

Landmark Green Roof

Stephen George + Partners‘ design for the canopy and the public realm beneath it was developed through extensive discussions with clients, the local authority and other stakeholders.

The proposed canopy design is a simple sinusoidal timber lattice structure supporting a green roof that undulates along the length of the bus station. It emphasises key entrances and draws the eye down from the imposing multistorey car park’s long concrete façade.

Matt Beaumont, Associate at SGP, said: “The canopy uses a glulam lattice to support a mix of sedum roof and solar panel glass to create a light and inviting transition space from the public realm to the bus station itself.

“The integrated roof lights not only let natural light flow into the area but produce their own green energy, whilst the sedum promotes biodiversity, reducing rainwater runoff and helping improve local air quality. The solar glazing ensures energy generation is visible to users below for educational purposes whilst additionally diffusing direct sunlight.”

Beneath the canopy, there is a glazed cycle hub to enhance green transport links within Huddersfield town centre.

“As Matt and I are Huddersfield residents, we are immensely proud of our design for Huddersfield Bus Station Canopy. We believe it has balanced sustainability with quality materials and created the landmark gateway to this strategic transport hub that the council and locals want and deserve,” concludes Alistair.

If planning is granted, work is expected to start on site in the Summer of 2025.

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