Huddersfield Cultural Heart project takes next step as ambitious plans take shape

Work on Huddersfield’s multi-million-pound Cultural Heart project is picking up pace, with Kirklees Council looking for an operator to run the new food hall.

September officially marked the start of the main construction works on the first phase of Our Cultural Heart. This covers the demolition of some sections of the former Queensgate Market building which will be transformed into a food hall and modern library, leading out onto a public square.

With this part of the plan now well underway, the council and its development partner, Turner & Townsend, have appointed Milligan to secure an operator for the new 17,000 sq ft town centre food hall. The chosen operator will play a key role in designing and managing the space, while selecting a variety of food and drinks vendors.

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Councillor Graham Turner, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: “Our Cultural Heart is central to our plans to revive the town centre. We are committed to making Huddersfield a destination where people can come together to enjoy a wide range of social and cultural activities. Hospitality plays an important role in our vision, which is why we are investing in this fantastic food hall.

“Sitting alongside the new community library and public square, it will play a major role in helping us grow footfall. As well as attracting more of the families and age groups that have typically travelled further afield.

“We look forward to securing a dynamic food hall operator that reflects our ambitious future and can showcase some of our fantastic local food entrepreneurs.”

Alex Hyams, Head of Mixed-Use Asset Management at Milligan, added: “The fundamentals of Huddersfield and the wider Kirklees borough are exceptional; great infrastructure, geographically well positioned, rich history and heritage, and a forward-thinking local authority. Huddersfield itself boasts a well-proportioned town centre that benefits from exciting, untapped potential.

“Milligan are proud to be working with Turner & Townsend and Kirklees Council on Our Cultural Heart, the centrepiece for the transformative regeneration work being delivered across Huddersfield town centre. It’ll bring life, culture, art, events and live music to the town and it’ll be anchored by a 17,000sq ft food hall.

“The food hall will operate from the beautifully restored, Grade II-listed Queensgate Market building. We’re actively engaging with the food hall sector to find the right operator for the space. Our team have worked on the successful delivery of a number of food halls across the UK including Sheffield, Liverpool and London.

“The truly unique food hall space being brought forward in Huddersfield is really special and presents a great opportunity to define the character and future of Huddersfield town centre. Our focus is finding the right operator and the right concept to bring the space to life.”

The food hall and library are expected to be up and running by Summer 2026. As for the subsequent phases of the Cultural Heart, Phase 2, which will see a museum and gallery brought to the former library building at Princess Alexandra Walk, and public realm, is expected to be open to the public at the start of 2029.

Next is Phase 3 which covers a plot at Queen Street - a use for which is yet to be determined. The council was previously in talks with Greenhead College, and was looking at using this site for a new STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) block but funding couldn’t be secured.

Phase 4 will see the construction of a new park and the final phase, Phase 5, features a new venue and multi-storey car park. The construction of these three later phases is expected to take place between 2026 and 2031.

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