Kirklees Together

Today, the first step will be taken towards delivery of the Heckmondwike Blueprint, which was launched earlier this month. Read more about the launch here.

What’s happening this week?

Work is about to begin on demolition of the town’s old market hall, which has stood empty since 2016, to make way for new development in the town centre.

We’re aiming to reopen the space in the summer with a great temporary offering, which will be further developed over the years to come.

What are the plans for the space?

Short-term

For the next few years, while blueprint projects develop across Heckmondwike, this area will initially reopen as an attractive public space for local people and visitors to enjoy.  There will be the opportunity for a much smaller market offering, with dedicated space for market traders and for public art.  There will also be pretty greenery and seating, to make this a nice place for people to socialise.

Long-term

The space where the market hall currently stands will eventually become New Square, a key focal point within the blueprint which sits at the heart of Heckmondwike town centre.  You can find out more about what New Square might look like by visiting our Heckmondwike Blueprint webpage!

Councillor Graham Turner, Cabinet Member for Finance & Regeneration, says:

“We launched the Heckmondwike Blueprint – our masterplan for investment across the town centre – earlier this month, and it’s great to be able to talk about starting to deliver these plans already.

“Our plan for this land is a prime example of how consultation has had an impact on the way we deliver our blueprints.  We know people who live in Heckmondwike want to see us designing out antisocial behaviour, and they want to see the old market hall land brought back into use again as soon as possible.

“While the bigger picture will take years to develop, in the interim this is something we can deliver for local people very quickly.  I’m looking forward to seeing this area become a great new public space over the coming months, and for this to be the first step to a safer, more modern and inclusive town centre for Heckmondwike.”

Why is the building being demolished now?

While detailed long-term plans for this space are still under development, since we started public engagement around the blueprint you’ve been telling us that bringing this land back into use is one of your top priorities.

As well as improving the area for local people and businesses, demolishing the old market hall and bringing this land back into use will help tackle current issues with antisocial behaviour on the site.

While the blueprint plans – including these longer-term plans for New Square – will take a number of years to develop, this is something we can deliver for you much more quickly and provide a safer, more inclusive environment.