Kirklees Together

Plans to revitalise the historic Huddersfield market and secure its future for generations to come have been approved by Kirklees Council’s Planning Committee at its meeting on Thursday 16 April.

The plans for the Grade II* listed hall and surrounding site mean the market will be able to open more days each week and for longer hours than it does now.

The scheme has been shaped by residents and traders. Using this valuable insight, the council has worked closely with Greig & Stephenson Architects to finalise the designs.

David Shepherd, Executive Director for Place at Kirklees Council, said:   

“The regeneration of the market is about creating a welcoming space that works for traders, shoppers and visitors. The proposals are designed to help the market respond to changing high street patterns and support activity throughout the week.

“The plans build on the market’s traditional strengths, with the aim of supporting footfall in both the market and the wider town centre. Diversifying activity across the week is intended to provide more consistent opportunities for traders.

“The proposed multi-use space would allow for a wider range of events, designed to complement daytime trading. The intention is to enhance the overall experience for visitors while continuing to support the market’s role as an important part of the community.”

How have residents and traders been involved?

Engagement with residents and market traders has been ongoing and extensive, helping shape the design and identify key improvements. This has included formal consultation, trader meetings and workshops, and further trader sessions and information stalls in the market after the planning decision was deferred in January.

What will be inside the new market hall?

Inside the market hall, there will be over 87 pitches. This includes 12 larger permanent stalls with built-in services and storage, and more than 75 demountable stalls for market days.  The new demountable stalls inside will be around 50% larger than current ones, giving traders more space and greater flexibility in how they operate.

What outdoor market space will be available?

Outside in the Market Yard, there will be space for 52 demountable trader pitches. There will also be space for eight stalls on Brook Street and 28 on Byram Street.

How will the historic building be restored?

Essential repairs and restoration of the market’s decorative cast-iron frame and roof will be carried out, bringing back its original colour scheme of traditional reds, pinks, and creams.

How will the market be made more accessible?

We have listened to feedback from traders and the public and will make the building more accessible. Improvements will include ramps, automatic doors, accessible toilets, including a new Changing Places facility. The indoor space will also be levelled to make it easier for shoppers to move around.

What happens while improvement works are taking place?

A new temporary market has also been approved so trading can continue during the improvement works.

The temporary market will include up to 37 indoor stalls, 29 outdoor stalls next to the current market hall and up to 28 additional stalls on Byram Street, on busier days.

The temporary market has been designed to make best use of the available space, while keeping safe access to Tesco, neighbouring businesses and the construction site.

What happens now planning permission has been granted?

Now that planning permission has been granted, work will begin in preparing the site for construction and opening of the temporary market this summer.

We will now begin working with traders on arrangements for the move to the temporary market and, later, back into the refurbished market hall.