Our Cultural Heart opens to the public
Phase one of the £265m regeneration project in Huddersfield, which comprises a new library and public square on part of the former Piazza shopping centre, was delivered by BAM.
Costing £60m, phase one saw dozens of retail units replaced with the new Queensgate Square, which includes fountains and seating and has been designed to accommodate public events for up to 3,000 people.
The first phase was funded through £60m of borrowing by Kirklees Council.
A new library building overlooking the square has also opened, replacing Huddersfield’s 1930s library building.
The former 1970s indoor market building is also being converted into a food hall, although its opening has been delayed from summer 2026 until next year, with a search for vendors ongoing.
The food hall is expected to include a bar and around 10 independent food retailers. Kirklees Council has decided to operate the facility itself rather than appointing a private operator.
BAM has been retained as main contractor for the £56m phase two of the scheme, which will include the conversion of the former library into a museum and gallery, alongside the creation of a new urban park and a multi-storey car park. The wider project team also included Gillespies as landscape architect and CCL Facades.
A live entertainment venue with capacity for up to 2,200 people has also been proposed as part of the longer-term plans, although the council said its options for the final phase are still under review.
