Huddersfield town centre is set for another major transformation after Kirklees Council approved the next stage of its flagship regeneration programme, Our Cultural Heart.

Phase 2 of the scheme will see the much-loved former library repurposed into a new museum and art gallery, surrounded by public spaces. Construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2026, with the facilities expected to open in 2029.

The move builds on significant progress already underway in Phase 1, which includes the development of a new library hub, food hall and public square. These are on track to open in summer 2026, with the West Yorkshire Archive relocating into the hub and an operator secured to bring an array of independent food businesses to the town.

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As part of the council's wider plans, Cabinet has also approved preparations for the demolition of the remaining Piazza retail units in 2026. This will pave the way for Phase 3 of the project, the creation of a new town centre park.

Together, the three phases will establish a cultural campus in the heart of Huddersfield, combining heritage, leisure and learning with modern facilities. The regeneration scheme is expected to create hundreds of jobs, attract new investment, and provide free cultural and green spaces for residents and visitors, while boosting the wider Kirklees economy.