BAM retained for £56m second phase of Our Cultural Heart
Kirklees Council has appointed the firm as principal contractor for works including the conversion of the former Huddersfield Library into a flagship museum and art gallery.
The contract follows BAM’s work on phase one of Our Cultural Heart, which is Kirklees’ banner regeneration project, and now has its key elements approaching the finish line.
OCH covers the transformation of Huddersfield town centre based around regenerating the area between Queensgate, Queen Street, King Street and Victoria Lane into a vibrant cultural and social destination.
Phase two, early works for which officially began on site last month, will see the conversion of the former library building on Princess Alexandra Walk, originally built in the 1930s, into a ne cultural destination. The grade two-listed building will be sensitively refurbished, with a contemporary extension added.
The package of works will also include the demolition of the adjacent Piazza Shopping Centre, making way for future phases of the ambitious masterplan, including a large urban park.
The £55.9 million contract was awarded under the Crown Commercial Service’s Construction Works and Associated Services framework.
Phase two’s main works are scheduled to run from summer 2026 until winter 2027/28, with the museum and gallery aiming to open to the public in spring 2029 following fit-out.
David Shepherd, executive director for place at Kirklees Council, said: “Appointing BAM to deliver Phase Two is a significant milestone for Our Cultural Heart and for the regeneration of Huddersfield town centre. With work now underway, we’re moving into the next major stage of delivering our ambitious plans for the town.
“BAM brings valuable experience from its work on phase one, and that continuity will help us maintain the momentum we’ve built as we move forward with this complex and significant programme.
“Phase two will breathe new life into one of Huddersfield’s landmark buildings, creating a museum and art gallery that celebrates our heritage while giving the town a cultural destination with the quality and ambition to stand among the best in Yorkshire.
“This is about much more than a single building. Our Cultural Heart is reshaping this part of Huddersfield town centre, creating new reasons for people to visit, spend time here and be part of its future.”
Matt Garnett, BAM construction manager, added: “We’re proud to continue our work with Kirklees Council on such an important regeneration programme for the people and businesses of Huddersfield.
“Phase two will bring a much-loved 1930s building back into use as a new Museum and Gallery, while supporting the wider transformation of the town centre. Reusing and adapting the existing library building is a significant part of the scheme, helping to preserve local heritage while creating a vibrant cultural destination for future generations.”
The first phase of the project included a food hall in the former Queensgate Market building, a new library hub and a public square.
The library hub and public square elements of phase one are expected to open in summer 2026, with the food hall scheduled to open in 2027. Kirklees signed off a further £3m to take the works to completion in March this year, as phase one costs climbed to £61m.
