Approval for next phase of Our Cultural Heart
Councillors have approved £5.4m funding for Phase 2 of the Huddersfield town centre regeneration project, and will now look to procure a contractor and design team for the scheme.
Phase 2 will see the town’s four-storey library turned into a museum and art gallery with a 50-seat café.
Work is already underway on phase one of the scheme, with BAM converting Queensgate Market into a community hub and leisure space, including a library, food hall, and a public square for socialising and events.
In addition to the Phase 2 funding, £250,000 will also be released for work on the programme master plan, which will determine how the council can complete delivery of Our Cultural Heart without additional capital borrowing.
Cllr Graham Turner, cabinet member for regeneration said: “As with all large regeneration schemes, there are hurdles to jump and challenges to overcome. A worldwide pandemic and wars in other countries have of course made things even more complex.
“This has meant we’ve had to continually assess our finances and prioritise spend that will lead to the successful delivery of the first phases of the scheme, whilst still allowing for exciting new developments in the future.
“Releasing the funds demonstrates our commitment to delivering something everyone can be proud of and doing that in a way that delivers real changes on the ground in the next few years.
“Regeneration is not just about bricks and mortar. Our ambition is to give local people and visitors more reasons to spend time in the town centre.
“By increasing footfall, and in turn commercial opportunities, our plans will also benefit existing and future businesses from all sectors.”
