Construction begins on major regeneration project
The main construction work on the first phase of Our Cultural Heart – Kirklees Council’s regeneration scheme in Huddersfield town centre – is officially underway.
Following the appointment of BAM as principal contractor for this phase, construction began in earnest this week.
It includes demolition of some sections of the former Queensgate Market building, as its transformation into a new food hall and modern library ramps up. The core listed sections of the building will be fully refurbished.
To mark this project milestone, senior figures from Kirklees Council – including leader of the council, Councillor Carole Pattison – joined project colleagues from Turner & Townsend and BAM.
This first phase of the masterplan concentrates on refurbishment of the Queensgate Market building, converting it into a food hall and incorporating a new library within the existing east wing of the same building.
Both the food hall and new library will directly feed out to public square, with the connecting space suited to outdoor cultural events and gatherings.
Cllr Pattison said: “It’s a proud moment to see the main construction work on Our Cultural Heart get going and comes after extensive planning and consultation efforts over the last few years.
“We have high ambitions for this new era of our town centre. Developments like Our Cultural Heart will bring more visitors to the town and help to drive growth and investment in Huddersfield and the wider Kirklees borough.
“Now that the internal strip out is completed and the real work is underway, the transformation of the site will quickly become visible to all in our town and a source of pride and excitement for what’s to come.”
Paul Cleminson, pre-construction Director at BAM, added: “This is an exciting scheme for Huddersfield and we’re pleased to be starting work on site.
“An important driver for BAM is ensuring our projects positively impact the local community and we want to make sure this project also leaves a lasting legacy for the people and businesses of Kirklees.
“We’re driving investment into the local economy by employing Kirklees-based subcontractors, procuring materials locally, and creating employment and apprenticeship opportunities on the project.”
Kirklees Council submitted updated plans for the second phase of the Our Cultural Heart development earlier this month, concentrating on a flagship new museum and art gallery in the former library building on Princess Alexandra Walk.
