Kirklees Together

There’s been a big boost to Huddersfield town centre over the past year, and it’s already making a difference. 

The opening of The Light in Kingsgate has brought new leisure, more visitors and fresh energy into the heart of the town. Supported by Kirklees Council through a regeneration loan, which is now fully repaid, the project is a great example of how partnerships can help Huddersfield thrive. 

Since opening in April 2025, The Light has had more than 350,000 visits, including 120,000 cinema goers and 75,000 people heading to the bowling lanes. With a six-screen cinema and 15 different activities, from climbing to batting cages, it’s given people even more reasons to spend time in the town centre, whether that’s meeting friends, enjoying a meal or enjoying a family day out.  

The opening of The Light has created over 100 full and part-time jobs, with 75 of them filled by people local to Huddersfield, delivering further economic benefits for the area. 

This investment is part of the council’s long-term plan to make Huddersfield a lively, welcoming town centre that stays busy throughout the day and into the evening. And there’s more still to come. 

Work is continuing on Our Cultural Heart, with phase one due to open in 2026. The project will bring a new food hall, a modern community library and a new public square, adding even more reasons to visit, stay and enjoy the town. 

Councillor Graham Turner, Cabinet Member for Finance and Regeneration, said:    

“The opening of The Light is bringing in visitors, supporting shops and restaurants, giving people more reasons to stay and spend time in Huddersfield town centre. 

The transformation shows how targeted council investment can help bring much needed regeneration to life in a way that benefits local communities and supports our businesses. 

 We will see more successful investments over the next few years, including large-scale developments like Our Cultural Heart, with the first parts opening to the public right around the corner. 

We all want to see Huddersfield town centre thrive and supporting local venues and businesses to develop is a part of how we’re making that happen.” 

A spokesperson from The Light added:

“We are delighted to be part of the regeneration plan in Huddersfield which is having such a positive impact on the town.  We were really excited by the ambition of the Kirklees Council and the Kingsgate Shopping Centre which has given us the opportunity to create such a unique entertainment destination to serve the local community and attract people to the area.

We have been delighted by the overwhelming positive response of those who have visited us and grateful for the level of support we have received particularly our neighbour, Huddersfield University.  We are committed to a long-term partnership with the people and the town of Huddersfield and will continue to invest in and evolve the offer to ensure that it remains a facility that everyone can be proud of.”