Kirklees Together

In a major step in the Huddersfield Blueprint, Kirklees Council have appointed design consultants Greig and Stephenson to work on the Huddersfield New Market project. The project will see the refurbishment and improvement of the existing open market on Northumberland Street move forward.

The council is seeking to improve the market offer in Huddersfield as part of wider improvements to Huddersfield Town Centre. This involves the plan to combine the existing Queensgate Market and open market into a single, improved market, including the restoration of the Grade II* Listed Building at the current open market site. The council’s vision for the new market includes retaining the strong market presence that Huddersfield has always had.

Cllr Peter McBride, Cabinet member for regeneration, said:

“I am delighted that we have now appointed a design team to move our plans for Huddersfield New Market forward. We want to create a market culture with energy and vitality that will complement the more traditional high street shops.

The market will be a social space that can offer a unique, personal, and ethical shopping experience alongside opportunities to test ideas, eat, learn and be entertained.

This appointment is another important step towards achieving the vibrant, thriving town centre as set out in our ambitious Huddersfield Blueprint plans. “

Charles Smith, Head of Region North East and Yorkshire for Historic England added:

“The open market on Northumberland Street is a striking and handsome work of Victorian architecture. We’re delighted that the council is investing in its future. Heritage has a key role to play in shaping a positive future for Huddersfield Town Centre and these works will complement our current partnership working in the St George’s Square High Street Heritage Action Zone.”

Greig and Stephenson Architects specialises in market redevelopment, both nationally and internationally. The practice is passionate about the wider social and economic regenerative qualities of markets, delivering market designs that work both operationally and economically for the client and wider stakeholders.

In addition, the council appointed Public Perspectives to carry out market research that was completed in May. The research gave the council insight into the shopping behaviours and views of communities. The information, from the 1,000 responses to telephone surveys and online focus groups, will help shape the development of proposals to improve the Huddersfield market experience.

Over the summer, Greig and Stephenson will be developing a design for Huddersfield New Market, drawing on the findings of the market research, that not only ensures the longevity of the building fabric but also allows the market to function more efficiently and offer more to shoppers and visitors.  It will be essential that the new designs make the market significantly more visible and improve accessibility.