Preserving the Past, Looking to the Future: Shaping Huddersfield Market’s Revival
Huddersfield has always been a market town. Markets are such a fundamental part of our history, and that’s something we are committed to preserving through the Huddersfield Blueprint.
Since we launched the blueprint, our ambitions for Huddersfield’s markets have been clear.
For many years, we had two markets within walking distance of each other, Queensgate Market and Huddersfield Open Market. Having the one location has allowed us to build a stronger, more resilient market. This will allow Huddersfield’s market to stand the test of time while creating space for more regeneration in the town centre, like the former Queensgate Market building being restored as part of Our Cultural Heart.
Our research has shown that having one cohesive market in the town is the ideal way to create a vibrant and varied market experience, and a place where traders and visitors alike can spend time, explore, and enjoy what Huddersfield has to offer.
Getting the offer right is our absolute priority. At the very beginning of the process, and throughout, we have looked at towns similar to Huddersfield that have successfully completed a market regeneration. This has given us an understanding of the offering, shown us what success looks like and helped us to imagine what could work best for Huddersfield.
Every town is different and the very best markets have their own unique character, but successful regeneration tends to follow clear themes – it needs to be done thoughtfully, in collaboration with the people that use the space and with the community in mind.
We did some ‘market’ research and here’s what we found
Out of the many markets we looked at, Preston, Bradford, Barnsley, Chester and Doncaster were a few that stood out the most. These are all towns and cities that have recently invested in modernising their markets while keeping their traditional strengths, like our own aspirations for Huddersfield.
They have all modernised their markets by blending traditional trading with new food, retail and event spaces. Each area invested in better facilities, flexible stall layouts and improved accessibility, while restoring or celebrating their historic buildings. The introduction of food, social spaces and regular events has turned their markets into destinations that attract loyal shoppers and new visitors alike with increased opportunities to provide more trading days and open for longer across the week.
These markets all have elements that align with our vision for Huddersfield – creating a lively, modern market that keeps the character and traditions of the existing one.
The addition of flexible new spaces means the market can host events, community activities and specialist stalls to create more opportunities for new businesses.
In Huddersfield, there will be a small food offer to encourage shoppers to stay longer and create a diverse market experience. We don’t have a need for a food hall in Huddersfield market – Our Cultural Heart already has that covered. But better facilities, more social spaces and improving the visitor offer can turn the market into a thriving destination for the future. When renovated, it is expected to act as a new exciting focal point and catalyst for growth for the north of the town centre and will help to realise the Huddersfield Blueprint masterplan.
Huddersfield already hosts successful market events such as the Apna Bazaar but, due to lack of space and being limited to the warmer months of the year, not all of the events that we get approached to host are currently held in the market. By having events like this in Huddersfield Market, alongside our current traders, we will encourage even more visitors to the market, boosting the opportunities for existing and new traders. The annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and Apna Bazaar is an example of this model already working well. More community events and fairs will be a welcome addition, and we hope the investment in the market will attract even more events.
What Huddersfield market will have
We’re planning a much‑needed refresh of the external structure that respects and preserves its heritage. As part of the upgrade, we’ll also introduce improved toilet facilities, including a Changing Places Toilet, and a more accessible layout.
While continuing with our popular second‑hand market on Saturdays and Tuesdays, we aim to increase the number of days the market opens across the week and bring in new features like:
· A wider variety of stalls to complement our regular traders.
· Regular events, themed markets and community activities.
· Incubation space for startups, makers and small independent businesses.
· Larger and more inviting seating areas to encourage people to stay for longer and make it a social destination.
There has been a lot of planning and consultation behind these plans, not just looking at what works elsewhere, although this has been one of the key factors in our decision making.
Our project teams driving the market transformation bring an exceptional breadth of experience and talent. Their work spans the restoration of Grade II* listed buildings such as Byram Arcade, the delivery of ambitious town centre regeneration projects across Kirklees and beyond, and the development of vibrant, future‑focused markets. They understand how markets can evolve and are passionate about helping businesses grow and succeed at every stage of this journey.
We have also leaned on expert advice from architects who have a history of working on successful market restoration projects. We have also worked closely with heritage bodies including Historic England, Kirklees council conservation officers, registered conservation architect and heritage consultant. An access consultant also made-up part of the design team, reviewing proposals and advising on methods of implantation and best practise.
Building on what works, we’re excited to work with our traders, shoppers and community to shape a market that honours the past while creating something vibrant that can thrive into the future.
