BAM Appointed To Deliver Phase One Of Huddersfield’s Cultural Heart Regeneration Scheme

BAM has been appointed as lead contractor for the first phase of Kirklees Council’s flagship Our Cultural Heart development, to transform Huddersfield town centre.

Plans for Our Cultural Heart – the centrepiece of the Council’s ten-year Huddersfield Blueprint vision - include the refurbishment of the former Queensgate Market and Huddersfield Library buildings to house a vibrant food hall and a modern museum and gallery respectively. These will sit alongside a new community-focused library, live entertainment venue and a 350-space car park.

Phase one of the works will concentrate on the major refurbishment of the historic Queensgate Market site, which will be transformed into a new food hall and modern library along with a brand-new outdoor public square. Survey and preparation works will take place in 2023, with main construction works starting next year. The first phase of the scheme is expected to complete in winter 2025.

Speaking on behalf of BAM, Paul Cleminson, Project Director for Cultural Heart, said: “This is an exciting scheme for Huddersfield and its wider regeneration. As a resident of Kirklees, I hope that this will be another vital piece of the plan, to attract people back to the town centre.

“The chance to build something special for the town brings with it an obligation, as a responsible business, to use this opportunity to add value to the local economy and community. For BAM it will allow us to build on the work we are doing at Huddersfield Station and the new Daphne Steele Building for the University, where we are working to leave a positive community legacy, as well as delivering outstanding new buildings and infrastructure.”

Councillor Shabir Pandor, Leader of Kirklees Council, said: “In times of financial challenge, like the ones we are facing now, it is vital that we don’t lose sight of the investment that will safeguard our economy in the future. Our Cultural Heart is testament to our commitment to bringing a prosperous new era to Kirklees along with vital community services like the library, museum and gallery that will all be free to visit.

“I look forward to seeing this important regeneration project come to life and see the positive effect it will have on Huddersfield town centre for generations to come.”

Councillor Graham Turner, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: “I’m thrilled that we have been able to update cabinet on the significant progress we’ve made on the Our Cultural Heart project and that we now have all the resources in place to enable us to carry the project forward to construction next year.

“Our Cultural Heart is going to deliver multiple long-term benefits for Huddersfield and the wider borough. It will increase the number of visitors to our town centre, safeguard key heritage assets, create new job opportunities, enhance our green credentials and act a catalyst for further investment and economic growth. “These are exciting times for Huddersfield town centre. The impact of our ten-year Blueprint vision is really starting to be felt and we were also delighted to see refurbishment plans for the George Hotel unanimously approved by the Planning Committee recently.”