Jack ConlonBBC News, Yorkshire
Kirklees CouncilKirklees Council has given the final go ahead to the latest developments to Huddersfield town centre as part of the Our Cultural Heart project.
The scheme was first proposed in 2019 as part of the ‘Huddersfield Blueprint’ and will see upwards of £210m invested in reviving the town’s leisure and hospitality sectors.
The second phase of the scheme will see the four-storey Grade II listed former library building on Princess Alexandra Walk transformed into a museum and art gallery.
The council agreed to release funding of about £5.4m in January for work on the building, which is now due to start in spring 2026 after being granted approval at a Cabinet meeting.
Graham Turner, the council’s cabinet member for regeneration, said the latest stage of the project will be “significant” additions to the town’s cultural offering.
“By building a state-of-the-art gallery, it will allow us to to accept exhibitions from around the world, we can put any display on in there.
“Longer term, we can become a travelling arts centre for the north.
“Towns across the country have too much retail space so you have to repurpose that to ensure town centres stay vibrant and relevant,” he added.
Kirklees CouncilPhase one of the project began in summer 2024, with construction taking place on a new library hub, food hall and public square on the site of the former Queensgate Market.
The council expects this to be complete by 2026, with a planned opening in the summer.
Initial plans also included an events space on the top floor of the library, however this was axed in a bid to save money.
The Cabinet meeting also approved for the demolition of the remaining retail units at the Piazza shopping centre to be brought forward to an earlier date in 2026.
This will make way for a new town centre park in the scheme’s third phase.
Turner added: “It’s a really exciting time for Huddersfield. We’re really going to make Huddersfield a place to live, work and play.
“In the next five to 10 years you won’t recognise Huddersfield as it is now. It’ll be a modern, vibrant town in West Yorkshire.”