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Kirklees Council's Cabinet has approved the next steps in delivering Our Cultural Heart, the flagship regeneration programme at the centre of the Huddersfield Blueprint.
The decision, made on 9 September, allows Phase 2 of the scheme to progress. This stage will see the former library transformed into a combined museum and art gallery, alongside significant improvements to the surrounding public spaces. Construction is expected to begin in spring 2026, with completion scheduled for spring 2029.
Phase 1 of the project is already under construction, delivering a new library hub, food hall and public square. These facilities are due to open in summer 2026. The West Yorkshire Archive will relocate into the new library, while a preferred tenant has been identified for the food hall, which is set to showcase a diverse range of independent food businesses.
As part of its latest decision, the Cabinet has also agreed to prepare for the demolition of the remaining Piazza retail units in 2026. This will make way for a new town centre park, forming Phase 3 of the scheme.
Together, the three phases aim to create a vibrant cultural campus that integrates a library, food hall, museum, art gallery, park and new public spaces. The project is designed to celebrate Huddersfield’s heritage while generating new opportunities for leisure, learning and investment.
Councillor Graham Turner, Cabinet Member for Finance and Regeneration, said: "This is a fantastic milestone for Huddersfield. By giving the green light to the next stages of Our Cultural Heart, we are unlocking a once-in-a-generation transformation that will bring jobs, investment and a real sense of pride back into our town centre.
"Residents will see the first results in 2026 when the new library hub, food hall and public square open – and today’s decision ensures momentum continues as we deliver the museum, gallery and a new town centre park. This is about creating a town centre that works for everyone – families, businesses, students and visitors – and doing so in a way that’s both affordable and sustainable for the future."
