Our Cultural Heart is starting to take shape in Huddersfield town centre
Work is progressing well on Our Cultural Heart – Our exciting regeneration scheme that’s bringing a vibrant new cultural destination to the heart of Huddersfield.
This first phase of the development is focused on transforming the site of the former Queensgate Market into a lively space for everyone to enjoy – with a brand-new library, a buzzing food hall, and a welcoming public square.
What’s been happening?
Construction began in summer 2024, and since then, the demolition phase has been completed. Careful work has gone into protecting the building’s important heritage features, including sculptures by local artist Fritz Steller. These artworks have been safely removed, cleaned, and stored, ready to return as part of the finished scheme.
Now that the building has been cleared, the impressive roof structures from the old market – called paraboloids – are fully visible again. Work is underway to add glazing to these iconic shapes, which will let natural light flood into the future food hall space throughout the day.
What’s coming next?
Over the coming months, the steel frame of the new buildings will start to go up. This will give people a clearer idea of what the new library hub and food hall will look like and how the space will be laid out.
Phase One of Our Cultural Heart is due to open in summer 2026.
The search for a food hall operator is already underway, and we’ll be announcing more details later this year.
Celebrating our town and looking to the future
Councillor Graham Turner, Cabinet Member for Finance and Regeneration, said:
“We’re proud to see the first phase of Our Cultural Heart progressing so well and are excited to be transforming this iconic space into something truly special for Huddersfield and wider Kirklees.
The new library hub, food hall and public square will not only celebrate our town’s unique history but also create a vibrant, modern destination for people to enjoy for generations to come.”
What’s planned in Phase Two?
The second phase of the Our Cultural Heart masterplan has also been given full planning permission. This will see the old library and art gallery building on Princess Alexandra Walk refurbished and brought back to life as a major new museum and gallery for the region.
Some early preparation work has already started, with full construction due to begin once Phase One is complete in summer 2026.
Cllr Turner added:
“The new museum and gallery will be a cultural gem for Yorkshire and a great place to showcase the creativity and heritage we have here in Kirklees.
This project is about celebrating the best of our past while creating new opportunities for the future – for residents, visitors, and the local economy.”
We’ll keep sharing updates as work continues, so you can follow the journey as Huddersfield town centre is transformed.