By KLTV Newsdesk –

Mayor of Kirklees leads celebrations as the first completed phase of Our Cultural Heart is unveiled

Huddersfield’s new library hub has officially opened its doors today (21 September), marking the completion of the first major phase of the town’s £200 million Our Cultural Heart regeneration scheme.

The glass-fronted building, located on the site of the former Queensgate Market, was officially opened on Monday 21 September by the Mayor of Kirklees, Councillor Karen Allison.

The opening follows months of construction work behind hoardings and comes alongside the new Queensgate Square, which will officially open to the public on Saturday.

A new chapter for Huddersfield

The Mayor said it was “absolutely wonderful for Kirklees and Huddersfield” to see the barriers come down and the new facility revealed.

“It’s so nice to actually see into the space now, and it is just beautiful.

“Being here today to open this one is an absolute honour and a privilege.”

The new library holds particular significance for Councillor Allison, who spent many of her childhood summer holidays at the former library across the road.

She described the new library as “a new start for Kirklees”, adding that the opening of Queensgate Square would provide another opportunity for residents to see the changes taking place in the town centre.

“This library is the start of a new adventure for Kirklees, and when the square opens on Saturday, people will see we are all about promoting Kirklees.

“We are on the up, and we are a great place, and we should be very proud of Kirklees and what we’re achieving.”

Six years of planning and development

David Shepherd, Kirklees Council’s Executive Director for Place, said the opening marked the culmination of six years of work involving council teams, architects, engineers, contractors and partners.

He said the library team had added the finishing touches by bringing together its collection and facilities, including the makerspace, children’s library and West Yorkshire Archives.

“Our Cultural Heart brings together a huge amount of different opportunities, from Queensgate Square to a new food hall, and this new library that we’re opening today.”

The wider project originated from the Huddersfield Blueprint, which set out plans for the long-term transformation of the town centre.

Future phases of Our Cultural Heart are expected to include a new museum and gallery, public park and food hall.

Mr Shepherd encouraged residents to visit the new facility, saying: “Libraries are for everybody. This particular library definitely is — you can see it’s buzzing today. There’s something for everybody here.”

A library for the 21st century

Kirstie Wilson, development librarian at Kirklees Libraries, described the opening as “really exciting — slightly surreal as well that we’re actually finally here.”

The new children’s library has been a particular focus, with families exploring the space on opening day.

Ms Wilson said encouraging children to read for pleasure remained one of the key priorities for Kirklees Libraries, while the new facility also offers a range of activities and experiences beyond traditional library services.

Arts Council England funding will support a programme of events running until next April, including textiles, theatre and appearances from authors and poets.

A new Library Adventures trail will also encourage families to explore different areas of the building.

Ms Wilson said: “If you think you know what a library is, then you’ve not been through this door. Come and see for yourself what a library in the 21st century can look like.”

Queensgate Square opens this weekend

The opening of the library marks the first completed phase of the wider Our Cultural Heart scheme.

Queensgate Square will officially open on Saturday, with celebrations continuing across the weekend of 26 and 27 September.

The library and square will host entertainment, creative activities and family-friendly events as Huddersfield marks the next stage of the town centre’s regeneration.

A new food hall is expected to follow in spring or summer 2027, while plans for a museum, gallery and public park form part of future phases of the project.

Check out the video above for a preview of the new space and be sure to pop along this weekend.