By KLTV Newsdesk –

Kirklees Council recently unveiled new visuals and detailed plans for the redevelopment of Huddersfield Market. The project aims to enhance the traditional market experience, offering a broader selection of food and drink options, a vibrant events calendar, and increased support for local businesses and entrepreneurs. These improvements are expected to drive economic growth in the town centre.

The redevelopment is a crucial element of the Huddersfield Blueprint, which focuses on boosting footfall and creating a dynamic and diverse town centre. The project will build on the existing market on Northumberland Street and integrate with other local initiatives, such as the upgrades to New Street and St. Peter’s Gardens, and the development of Our Cultural Heart. The overarching goal is to provide more attractions in Huddersfield, encouraging visitors to spend more time enjoying the town centre.

The new market design includes both an indoor market hall and an outdoor market yard, featuring a mix of permanent and temporary stalls, as well as flexible spaces for various events. The centre of the market hall will have a versatile area where stalls can be rearranged to create an open space, complete with a stage and screen to host events. The market aims to support a wide range of activities, such as international markets, live music, makers’ markets, community events, and festive celebrations.

Additionally, the market hall will feature free-standing permanent stalls and self-contained commercial spaces for various traders. Ample seating, including mezzanine areas offering an aerial view of the market, will provide visitors with comfortable spots to rest and appreciate the architecture. The outdoor market yard will include collapsible stalls, allowing the space to be used for events or as part of the market.

Surrounding the market yard will be affordable workspaces for local makers and entrepreneurs, who will have the opportunity to sell their products in the market. The redevelopment aims to support new businesses with dedicated units for start-ups and a fully equipped kitchen for pop-up cafés. Business Kirklees, the council’s business, economy, and growth service, will offer extensive support to these entrepreneurs to help them flourish, thereby contributing to the local economy.

A public consultation on the designs for Huddersfield Market is planned for later this year. The council will release more concept designs, highlighting the market’s flexibility for hosting events and activities. This consultation will allow residents, workers, and visitors to provide feedback on the plans before construction begins next year.

The project is funded by £16.5 million from UK government investment.