Part of refurbishment work at Huddersfield’s cultural center center to be halted to save cash

Further cuts are hitting Huddersfield’s cultural heart as cash-strapped Kirklees Council scraps plans for a new library’s event space.

As the major project moves towards realization, the council has submitted revised plans for the first stage of the scheme. This initial phase will focus on the extensive refurbishment of the historic former Queensgate Market building, transforming it into a vibrant new food hall with a library in the east wing and an outdoor public plaza.

Plans for the first phase included an event space previously located on the top floor of the library and overlooking the new public plaza. However, the event space will not become a reality as the city council canceled plans for this part for financial reasons.

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Graham Turner, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Regeneration, said:

“Our decision to progress the masterplan in stages means maintaining our original ambition and vision while being prudent with our finances. We have been able to move into the delivery phase in these difficult economic times, providing a new library that is of high quality and modern, while preserving more of its character and heritage.

“We are confident that our cultural center will play a vital role in ushering in a new era for Huddersfield town centre. It will increase visitor numbers, protect important heritage sites, create new job opportunities, strengthen our green credentials and act as a catalyst for further economic growth and investment.”

This is not the first time the council’s plans for a cultural center have been changed due to financial constraints. In June, it was announced that the museum and gallery would be housed together in the former library building on Princess Alexandra Walk, rather than separately as originally planned.

The art gallery and museum, along with a city park, live entertainment venue, 350-space car park and Queen Street development, will be delivered at a later stage of the plan from 2026 to 2030, but its use is still unclear.

The first phase is expected to be completed by winter 2025 and will see the opening of the food hall and library.

Plans for the first phase of construction were approved by Kirklees Council Cabinet last month and will be led by BAM Construction. Work on site is expected to begin in March, with major construction work expected to take place in the summer.

Despite the change in plans, the City Council said there are opportunities for other event spaces within the library, food hall, public plaza and future museum space, with Cultural Heart still providing multiple new community and business event locations. He says he will provide it. The new plans will retain more of the Grade II-listed Queensgate Market Hall’s original features.