Approval granted for next phase of Our Cultural Heart in Huddersfield

The regeneration of Huddersfield town centre has taken another major step forward, with Kirklees Councillors approving Phase Two of the £210m Our Cultural Heart masterplan.

This next phase will see the former library transformed into a new museum and art gallery, set within high-quality public spaces. Construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2026, with the facilities opening in 2029.

The approval builds on momentum from Phase One, which is already under construction and due to complete in December 2026. Designed at concept stage by Feilden Clegg Bradley, this first phase will deliver a new library hub, a food hall within the refurbished Grade II-listed Queensgate Market building, and a landmark public square, which will host major outdoor cultural events and gatherings. Looking further ahead, Phase Three will bring forward a new town centre park, enhancing Huddersfield’s cultural offer.

Gillespies is the executive landscape architect on the scheme, working closely with main contractor BAM Construction, Chapman Taylor Architects and the wider project team to deliver all new landscape and public realm elements across the masterplan. The designs include a welcoming and flexible public square, family-friendly public realm spaces and high-quality green landscapes that will connect the refurbished market building, the new library hub and the cultural venues at the heart of the development.

Our Cultural Heart will establish a cultural campus in the centre of Huddersfield, celebrating the town’s heritage while creating vibrant new spaces for leisure, learning and investment.