Step inside one of Huddersfield’s most iconic buildings as part of Heritage Open Days
As part of this year’s Heritage Open Days celebrations in Kirklees, residents are being offered a rare opportunity to explore one of Huddersfield’s most recognisable landmarks – the former Queensgate Market.
Now a key site within our flagship Our Cultural Heart regeneration programme, the Grade II listed building will open its doors for a behind-the-scenes tour on Thursday 18 September 2025, giving visitors a glimpse of how the past is being reimagined for the future.
Originally opened in 1970, the building is currently being transformed into a vibrant new food hall and library hub. As part of the open day, informal tours will be led by construction partner BAM, offering visitors the chance to discover more about the site’s unique architecture and redevelopment plans.
This includes a closer look at the market’s iconic hyperbolic paraboloid roof structures – which will be retained as a key feature in the new design – as well as its much-loved ceramic panels by artist Fritz Steller.
Event details
Thursday 18 September 2025
4pm – 6pm
Our Cultural Heart, Queensgate, Huddersfield, HD1 2UJ (access via Princess Street, near Huddersfield Town Hall)
The tour is free and will include heritage displays and the opportunity to chat with the team behind the transformation.
Celebrating our past, looking to the future
The event is part of a packed programme of Heritage Open Days across Kirklees, proudly sponsored by Our Cultural Heart.
Councillor Graham Turner, Cabinet Member for Finance and Regeneration, said:
“This is a fantastic chance for people to see how we’re breathing new life into one of Huddersfield’s best-loved buildings. The former market is part of our town’s story, and it’s inspiring to see it evolve into something special for future generations.
We’re proud to support Heritage Open Days and showcase how our history continues to shape our future.”
David Griffiths, local coordinator for Heritage Open Days, added:
“We’re thrilled that Queensgate is part of this year’s festival. With architecture as the national theme, it’s the perfect time to celebrate the design of this modernist gem alongside other sites like the Kirklees Stadium and pioneering Passivhaus homes. There really is something for everyone.”
Mark Gibson, Construction Director for BAM, said:
“At BAM, we’re passionate about building on heritage. The Queensgate Market is a unique piece of Huddersfield’s identity, and we’re honoured to help preserve its structure while creating something new.
We look forward to welcoming people on site and sharing the exciting progress.”
What’s next for Our Cultural Heart?
Work on Phase One of Our Cultural Heart is progressing well and is set to complete in spring 2026. The new food hall and library will open to the public in summer 2026.
Phase Two, which has now received full planning approval, will focus on the transformation of the former library and gallery building into a regional museum and art gallery.
To find out more about the open day or how to secure a place, visit the Heritage Open Days website.
You can find out more about Our Cultural Heart, including how to sign up for the project newsletter online.