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Up to 40 new jobs will be created when a new bar opens in Huddersfield.

The former Varsity bar on Zetland Street is having a £400,000 refurbishment and will re-open early September and re-named The Picture House.

And while Kirklees councillors stopped short of allowing it to serve alcohol 20 hours a day, as sought by the applicant, it will be home to breakfasts, American-style dining and will become a late-night DJ and music venue.

Varsity shut its doors in December after the chain's parent company went into administration.

Click below for a gallery of nights out in Varsity from down the years - are you pictured?

Councillors on Kirklees Council’s Licensing Panel, Mohan Sokhal, Erin Hill and Christine Iredale, agreed it could open from 8am and serve alcohol until 3.30am and closing at 4am on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

The remaining days it can open at 8am and serve alcohol until 1.30am to close its doors at 2am.

The Picture House will be operated by Sheffield-based Forum Cafe Bars and Sean Kelly, its finance director, said they wanted the venue to be more than a student hangout: “It will be unique to Huddersfield, food will be served all day until 10pm then we’ll have DJs and music.

“The alcohol sales from 8am will be for occasional use, the early opening is intended for breakfasts and coffees.

“The day time will have a focus on food, drinks will not be heavily discounted and we want to offer ales, cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks.

“We are trying to mirror what we offer in Sheffield which is a venue for everyone.”

There were objections to the proposals, Aaron Mellor, landlord of the adjoining student flats said noise may impact his tenants and business, which generates £50,000-a-year.

Through his solicitor, Sarah Smith, they outlined public nuisance concerns from loud music, vibration from the music and noise from people in the area for longer than Varsity was permitted.

Ms Smith said: “It’s our view the venue will be good for the area, but we’re strongly against these houses, we feel they should operate on the existing licence for 12am or 2am at weekends, get a feel for the area and then come back in six months time for longer opening. At this stage we feel it’s a step too far.”

Mr Mellor, who also owns a number of licensed premises in the area, said his objection was to protect his student flats, and that he hoped noise concerns could be resolved with sound limiters.

Forum Cafe Bars run a number of venues in Sheffield and Barnsley with 25 years’ experience in the trade.

Refurbishment is currently taking place with a nod to the building’s theatre and cinema past with an art deco theme. Two American specialist slow cook ovens will be imported from Oklahoma for their smokehouse-style food.

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