Key funding decision reached for £210m regeneration

Kirklees Council’s Cabinet has approved the next stage of funding for its flagship £210m Huddersfield development – “Our Cultural Heart” – as it moves toward the delivery phase.

Planning was approved for Our Cultural Heart, the centrepiece of a ten-year Huddersfield Blueprint vision, earlier this year and work to fine-tune the design has been progressing since then.

Cabinet has now agreed to release a further £5.6m from the project’s allotted funds.

Plans will see the refurbishment of the former Queensgate Market and Huddersfield Library buildings to house a food hall and a modern museum and gallery respectively.

These will sit alongside a new library, live entertainment venue and a 350-space car park, all of which will be connected by a series of public spaces.

In addition to approving contract extensions for the project’s architects, engineers and project managers, cabinet gave the green light to the proposed phased delivery programme and the appointment of BAM Construction Ltd as lead construction contractor for phase one.

This stage will concentrate on refurbishment of the historic Queensgate Market site, which will be transformed into a food hall and modern library along with a new outdoor public square.

There will be site surveys and preparation works completed throughout 2023, with work getting underway in earnest early in 2024. Phase one is expected to complete in winter 2025.

Plans for future phases of the development were also considered by councillors including a proposal to bring the museum and art gallery under one roof in the Grade II Listed building that formerly housed the town’s library.

It would allow for the new building being developed on Queen Street, originally earmarked for the art gallery, to have another complementary use.

The council is in discussions with The Conway Education Trust, set up by Greenhead College, about the potential for a dedicated Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) facility.

Councillor Shabir Pandor, leader of Kirklees Council, said: “In times of financial challenge, like the ones we are facing now, it is vital we don’t lose sight of the investment that will safeguard our economy in the future.

“Our Cultural Heart is testament to our commitment to bringing a prosperous new era to Kirklees along with vital community services like the library, museum and gallery that will all be free to visit.

“I look forward to seeing this important regeneration project come to life and see the positive effect it will have on Huddersfield town centre for generations to come.”

Cllr Graham Turner, cabinet member for regeneration, added: “I’m thrilled we have been able to update cabinet on the significant progress we’ve made on the Our Cultural Heart project and that we now have all the resources in place to enable us to carry the project forward to construction next year.

“Our Cultural Heart will increase the number of visitors to our town centre, safeguard key heritage assets, create new job opportunities, enhance our green credentials and act as a catalyst for further investment and economic growth.”

Paul Cleminson, BAM’s project director for Our Cultural Heart, said: “This is an exciting scheme for Huddersfield and its wider regeneration.

“The chance to build something special for the town brings with it an obligation, as a responsible business, to use this opportunity to add value to the local economy and community.”