£210m makeover plans approved for Huddersfield Town Centre
A £210m transformation of Huddersfield town centre, known as the ‘Cultural Heart’ is set to get underway after the plans were approved at a meeting of Kirklees council’s strategic planning committee. The Yorkshire Post reports that the redevelopment of a central area of the town will go ahead, despite objections being raised by some panel members.
The first phase of the project will see the Grade II listed Queensgate Market transformed into a food hall with space for independent stalls and a communal seating area. A new glass-fronted library with a terrace and events space will also be created, and a new public square.
Councillor Shabir Pandor, leader of Kirklees Council, said: “Today is a significant milestone for the future of Huddersfield town centre. Our Cultural Heart project is a transformational scheme that will, alongside our wider Huddersfield Blueprint plans, provide a huge boost to our local economy and existing businesses.”
He added: “The Cultural Heart is all about delivering genuine long-term community assets, where friends and families can gather, relax and socialise. We are in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis and we understand that times are challenging right now for many.”
“This reinforces our ambition to grow our town centre offer and give people more reasons to visit and spend time here. The public square, food hall, museum and library will be amazing new spaces that provide free and low-cost activities – ultimately bringing our diverse community closer together.”
However, not all of the councillors voted in favour of the plans. Among the objectors was Cllr Bill Armer, who cited the council’s strained finances and a lack of access for the disabled. Cllr Adam Gregg raised concerns about the lack of parking facilities.
Meanwhile, Cllr Andrew Pinnock voiced fears that Huddersfield was not easily accessible to all Kirklees residents, and the scheme virtually excluded people with limited mobility.
Cllr Pinnock commented: “As far as ownership by the population of Kirklees is concerned, there’s got to be the belief by people living in all parts of Kirklees that it is worth spending this money on the centre of Huddersfield. As things stand at the moment, good though these plans are, I’m not convinced of that.”
The final votes were five panel members in favour and two against. Those in favour of the scheme described it as exciting and positive for Huddersfield, and they hoped it would attract major artists which would boost the town’s profile and help to revive the local economy.
Work on the first phase of the project is set to begin in spring next year, with a scheduled completion date of 2026. Proposals for the second phase of the project include a new live entertainment centre and a public park.
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