Relocated hub for Kirklees history
The West Yorkshire Archive Service will be housed in a purpose-built facility in Huddersfield’s new library, being built by BAM as part of the town’s Our Cultural Heart regeneration scheme.
More than 20,000 boxes of historic records dating back to the 12th century will be transferred to the library, with specialist staff packaging, labelling, and barcoding Kirklees’ archives.
The archive facility will be environmentally controlled to preserve the collections, and public research areas will make the records more accessible to the public.
The archive’s current premises on Victoria Lane will close at the end of July.
Phase one of Our Cultural Heart is focusing on the former Queensgate Market into a foodhall, library, and public square, and will reach practical completion by next summer.
The foodhall will be within the listed market building itself, while the library will be in the newly built extension.
Phase Two of the masterplan, which has now received full planning approval, will see the former library and gallery building on Princess Alexandra Walk refurbished to house a museum and art gallery for the region.
Work on this phase will start when phase one completes.
Cllr Graham Turner, cabinet member for finance and regeneration, said: “The relocation of the Huddersfield branch of the West Yorkshire Archive Service to Our Cultural Heart is a great way to connect Kirklees’ past and future.
“These archives tell the story of the region and deserve to be preserved and celebrated in the best possible setting, right in the heart of Huddersfield town centre.
“We’re really excited about the new library hub – it’s far more than just access to books. With vibrant, welcoming spaces for children and families to spend time, areas for meetings and collaboration, quiet zones for working, opportunities to explore local history, and fun creative spaces, it will reflect what residents want from a modern library.
“Together, the new archive and library hub, alongside the food hall and adjoining public square, will form a cultural and social centre that gives people more reasons to visit Huddersfield town centre and spend more time here – ultimately helping to support our local businesses too.”
Cllr Ahmed Munir, member of the West Yorkshire Joint Services Committee, added: “These archives hold over 800 years of
stories about the people and communities of Kirklees, and this move will help us preserve and celebrate them like never before.
“With purpose-built storage and new research and exhibition spaces, we’re excited to make our history more accessible and welcoming for everyone.
“Our team are already busy preparing the collections for the big move and we cannot wait to welcome everyone to the new home for Kirklees’ archives next year.”
