Town centre transformation programme launched

A public consultation has begun this week on the Cultural Heart, the centrepiece of Kirklees Council’s £250m blueprint to transform Huddersfield town centre.

The Kirklees Cultural Heart plan seeks to breathe new life into an eight-acre area around Queensgate and the Piazza by giving it a new focus based on culture and leisure.

The Cultural Heart forms part of the Huddersfield Blueprint, a 10-year vision to create a thriving, modern-day town centre.

It is also part of a wider Kirklees ambition to invest in town centres across the borough including Dewsbury, Batley, Cleckheaton, Heckmondwike and Holmfirth.

The vison is to create a space where families, residents and visitors can enjoy a mix of music, arts, food and more in one central area, overlooking a new urban park.

Changes would see:

  • The Queensgate market building refurbished to house a new food hall that will celebrate local and independent traders.
  • A modern library will be accommodated within the existing east wing of the market building and in a new extension to the north.
  • The existing Huddersfield Library building will be refurbished, with a contemporary extension added to transform it into a dedicated museum space.
  • A multi-purpose entertainment venue with a capacity of up to 2,200 will be created for major concerts, live shows, conferences and exhibitions. A multi-storey car park will be built below the entertainment venue, with around 350 spaces.
  • A modern art gallery space on Queen Street and home to works by Francis Bacon, LS Lowry, Henry Moore and Harold Gilman.
  • The public square will hosts regular community and cultural events and gatherings of up to 3,000 people.
  • A landmark urban park will act as a key link between the Cultural Heart and wider town centre.

Councillor Shabir Pandor, leader of Kirklees Council, said: “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to redefine one of the great Northern towns. It will be a major catalyst to stimulate further investment and economic growth, including jobs.

“We are very fortunate to have incredible heritage buildings in the centre of Huddersfield and these plans will not only revitalise some of Huddersfield town centre’s most-loved buildings, but they will also have the opportunity to shine among new contemporary buildings and a range of high-quality outdoor spaces.”

Michael Grace, director and strategic lead for Turner & Townsend and the strategic development partner for the Cultural Quarter, said: “The redevelopment will transform this part of the town creating family friendly space and buildings for local business and the community to thrive and flourish.

“This is a truly accessible destination and we’ve worked with the scheme’s architects to listen to initial feedback. The public spaces have been carefully designed around the proposed new buildings, key transport drop-off points and interlinking walking routes.”

The pre-planning application public consultation on the proposal will run until 19 June. People can view and comment on the plans at: http://www.kirkleesculturalheart.co.uk

Another phase of consultation will be held later in the summer, prior to submitting a planning application in the autumn.

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