Phase two of Our Cultural Heart approved as costs spiral

Huddersfield’s town centre regeneration programme can progress despite the estimated cost increasing to £14.5m, almost treble the previously agreed funding amount of £5.5m.

Phase two will see the former library converted into a museum and art gallery with public realm, with work set to commence next spring and complete in 2029.

The £5.5m funding for phase two of the project was agreed back in January, when £250,000 was also allocated towards a study looking into how the council can complete delivery of Our Cultural Heart without additional borrowing, given the escalating costs affecting construction.

One suggestion is to allocate money set aside for future stages of the £262m scheme, rather than borrow more.

BAM Construction is the contractor on the scheme, which was designed by FCB Studios.

Kirklees Council gave the green light to phase two at its cabinet meeting and also agreed to the demolition of the remaining Piazza retail units next year, which will create the space for phase three of the project – a new town centre park.

Phase one is well underway, and consists of the new library and food court, with a public square. This is on track to open in summer next year.

The West Yorkshire Archive will be moving into the library hub, and a preferred food hall tenant has been identified who will bring a mix of independent food businesses into the heart of the West Yorkshire town.

Cllr Graham Turner, cabinet member for finance and regeneration, said: “This is such a positive moment for Huddersfield. Approving the next stages of Our Cultural Heart means we can keep the transformation moving and deliver something really special.”