Three years ago, traders at Queensgate Market prepared for one of the biggest changes in Huddersfield’s history. The closure of the market was a major moment for the town, for customers, and especially for the small businesses who had made it their home for many years.
The change came with Huddersfield’s flagship regeneration project, as work started on phase 1 of the Our Cultural Heart. With the closure of Queensgate market, traders started looking somewhere else to set up shop- but they weren’t alone in doing this. The move created an opportunity to breathe new life into empty shops in Huddersfield Town Centre.
Traders were supported by our business team and markets team, and with the determination of embracing change, and the loyalty of their customers, these businesses are still here – and thriving.
Here’s how two much-loved independents are getting on, three years after leaving Queensgate Market.
“Be brave — it may just work out”: Lincoln’s Florists blossoms in its new home
After 18 years in Queensgate Market, moving into a standalone shop could have been daunting for Lincoln’s Florists. But for owner Lindsay, it became the start of something bigger.
“As soon as we opened the shop, we could see a difference, and now we’re busy all year round,” she told us. Footfall increased, visibility improved and new customers, who didn’t even know the florist existed inside the market, quickly found their way in.
Support from council teams played an important role too. A website funded through Covid recovery support helped the business modernise and grow online, doubling annual takings and bringing in customers from across the district.
Lindsay’s advice to other businesses thinking about their next step?
“Be brave. It’s scary, but sometimes it works out. Some people say Huddersfield is dying — it’s not. It’s changing. And you’ve got to be part of that change.”
“It was never about winding down — it was about passing it on”: Alice’s Hardware finds its future
When Queensgate Market announced its closure, David, then 76, could have retired. Instead, he chose to move Alice’s Hardware into the Packhorse Centre, supported by the council’s markets team.
“It wouldn’t have been fair to just close it all down,” he said. “I had staff who’d given everything. It was about giving them a future.”
With early conversations, transparent planning and help negotiating the unit, the move was made quickly and affordably. By their first full year, takings were already up by 50%.
The new location gave the business stability, but David is most proud of the people who have come through the doors over the years — apprentices who are now running businesses of their own, colleagues who started with little confidence and grew into managers.
“Queensgate just wasn’t working anymore. The Blueprint is brilliant. When it’s all done, it’ll be incredible. I won’t benefit personally, but future generations will.”
Change takes courage, and our independents show it every day
Huddersfield’s regeneration is all about creating a town centre where businesses can succeed: more attractive streets, safer spaces, better public areas, and a cultural offer that brings people back into town.
We’re proud to support local businesses, from helping businesses to move into new premises to offering planning advice, business support, and guidance through Business Kirklees.
If you run a business and would like to explore the support available, we’re here to help. Contact business.kirklees@kirklees.gov.uk or visit the Business Kirklees website.