Photo Credits: Kirklees Council

By KLTV Newsdesk –

Landmark town centre development moves closer to completion as community-shaped vision comes to life

Huddersfield’s eagerly anticipated new library hub is on track to open this September, as fresh national funding paves the way for a vibrant programme of events and activities from day one.

The purpose-built hub is a centrepiece of Phase One of Our Cultural Heart, Kirklees Council’s flagship regeneration programme, transforming the Queensgate area into a lively cultural and social destination.

Construction gathers pace

Work on the new town centre facility is progressing rapidly. The steel frame topped out in December, glazing has now been completed, and the building’s striking external façade is taking shape this month.

As the project moves closer to completion, attention is turning to what visitors will experience inside – and that experience has been shaped directly by the community.

More than 1,000 residents took part in engagement activities during last year’s Our Cultural Heart Libraries Festival.

They called for comfortable reading areas and welcoming, inclusive spaces for families, teenagers, older residents and visitors with a wide range of needs.

People also asked for a lively programme of creative events.

£86,000 Arts Council boost for events and activities

That ambition is now becoming reality. Arts Council England has awarded £86,000 to support an exciting calendar of activities, including author talks, sewing and print workshops, theatre sessions, yoga and wellbeing events.

At the heart of the hub will be a new MakerSpace, a hands-on creative zone equipped with sewing machines, textile and modelling tools, and craft equipment.

The building will also feature more than 20 free-to-use computers, printing and scanning facilities, bookable meeting rooms with video screens, and quiet study areas for students, freelancers and remote workers.

Free Wi-Fi, power sockets and charging points throughout will make it easy for visitors to work, learn or relax.

Preserving Huddersfield’s heritage

The hub will also house a new facility for the West Yorkshire Archive Service, safeguarding more than 20,000 boxes of historic records dating back to the 12th century and giving the public improved access to Huddersfield’s rich heritage.

Councillor Graham Turner, Cabinet Member for Finance and Regeneration, said: “We’re getting closer to opening the doors on something really special for Huddersfield.

“Residents told us they wanted a comfortable, inspiring space with great books, creative opportunities and room to learn new skills. That’s exactly what this new hub will offer.

“Alongside the new food hall and the future museum and art gallery, the library will help bring more life into the town centre.

“It will draw people in, encourage them to stay longer, and support local businesses. Most importantly, it will give communities a place to connect, create and feel proud of.”

Councillor Amanda Pinnock, Cabinet Member for Communities and Environment, added: “Libraries are at the heart of our towns. They are places where people of all ages can learn, connect, explore new ideas and access support.

“This new hub will build on everything people already value about our library service, while creating an even more welcoming and inclusive space for the whole community.

“It will be somewhere families can spend time together, where young people can study and create, where residents can improve their skills, and where everyone feels they belong.

“We are proud to be investing in a modern library that reflects the important role these spaces play in community life.”

Tom Wimpenny, Senior Site Manager at construction contractor BAM, added: “Working closely with Kirklees Council, we’re delivering a library hub that will be a standout element of the Our Cultural Heart programme.

“This light-filled building will provide modern, flexible facilities while also carefully integrating archive spaces that protect and celebrate the area’s remarkable heritage.”

Wider regeneration progressing

The broader Our Cultural Heart programme continues to move forward.

Phase One also includes a new food hall within the refurbished former Queensgate Market and the creation of a new public square.

Phase Two, approved last year, will see the transformation of the former library building on Princess Alexandra Walk into a new museum and art gallery, with early strip-out works already underway.

The Our Cultural Heart project is being delivered by Kirklees Council, with Turner & Townsend acting as strategic delivery partner and BAM as lead construction contractor.