By KLTV Newsdesk –

West Yorkshire Archive Service to relocate to state-of-the-art facility in Our Cultural Heart development, opening summer 2026

A new chapter in preserving Kirklees’ rich heritage is being written, as Kirklees Council announces the relocation of the West Yorkshire Archive Service (WYAS) Kirklees branch to a brand-new, purpose-built facility within Huddersfield’s flagship library hub.

The move is a major milestone in the borough’s wider regeneration efforts and forms part of Phase One of the ambitious Our Cultural Heart development – an innovative town centre transformation project that includes a vibrant new food hall, library hub and public square on the site of the former Queensgate Market.

Preserving the Past for Future Generations

The new WYAS facility will provide environmentally controlled conditions to safeguard more than 20,000 boxes of archival materials – some dating back to the 12th century.

Alongside improved preservation, the new space will offer enhanced public research areas, making it easier and faster for students, historians, and residents to explore local records.

To prepare for the move, the existing WYAS office on Victoria Lane will close at the end of July 2025.

Specialist staff will then begin the meticulous process of packing, labelling, and barcoding each archival item in preparation for the relocation.

Survey of Almondbury by William Senior, 1634 (Ref: DD/RE/494)

A Modern Library with Historic Depth

Due to open in summer 2026, the new library hub is housed in a contemporary extension adjoining the historic market building.

Designed as a multi-functional community space, the hub will feature group meeting rooms, quiet zones, a dedicated children’s area, digital access points, and creative maker-space zones — all alongside the new ‘history hub’ for archives.

Councillor Graham Turner, Cabinet Member for Finance and Regeneration, praised the move, stating: “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.”

A Cultural Anchor for the Town Centre

The integration of the archive service into the wider Cultural Heart scheme is expected to strengthen the town’s cultural and social offering.

“As Councillor Turner notes, the space is “far more than just access to books” — it’s a modern library experience built around community needs, creativity, and accessibility.

Councillor Ahmed Munir, a member of the West Yorkshire Joint Services Committee, echoed the excitement: “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.”

What’s Next?

With the library hub and food hall set to open to the public in summer 2026, work will soon begin on Phase Two of the Our Cultural Heart masterplan.

This next stage will see the sensitive refurbishment of the former library and gallery building on Princess Alexandra Walk to create a major new museum and art gallery for the region.