A MARKET town that dates back to the Victorian era is set for a major transformation.
The historic area is currently undergoing a £250 million revamp, which includes a complete regeneration of the town centre.
Planning permission has been submitted to transform the historic Huddersfield Market[/caption]
The major £250 million revamp will see a complete regeneration of the town centre[/caption]
Huddersfield, which was previously named one of the worst towns to live in England,
Known as Huddersfield Blueprint, this ambitious 10-year project includes plans for a new library, museum, live entertainment venue, and most recently a revamp of the famous market.
First introduced in 2019, the most recent step has seen a planning application submitted for work on Huddersfield Market, estimated to cost a total of £16.5 million.
Market revamp
Kirklees Council received the proposal which includes an area for hot food vendors, a bar, a dedicated seating area, and alterations to make the site more accessible.
Local councillors explained the project aims to “future-proof [the market] for generations to come”.
The works would also see Grade II listed market building undergo restoration and repair work.
A mixture of fixed and removable stalls for events such as food festivals and community celebrations are also set to be added.
Councillor Graham Turner said the plan aims to make the market a “place full of opportunities to test ideas, eat, learn, be entertained, and most importantly create a space that facilitates economic growth and support traders”.
“Huddersfield has and always will be a market town – these improvements will allow the market to continue being a key place for the people of Huddersfield to visit, and a space where local businesses can thrive for many more years to come,” he continued.
If the planning application is approved, work is expected to start in the spring of 2026.
Wider project
As well as the works at the outdoor market, the project will also see the conversion of the indoor Queensgate Market into a food hall and library.
Meanwhile, the former Grade II-listed library building will be transformed into a museum and art gallery.
A new outdoor space with a capacity of 3,000 people and a live music venue with a capacity of 2,200 people are also planned.
And as part of the wider improvement to the town centre, the local transportation hubs, including rail and bus stations, will be upgraded.
Estate buildings will also be converted into residential spaces in an effort to boost the population in the town centre.
Breakdown of Huddersfield Blueprint
- Queensgate Market and library conversion
- Museum and art gallery construction
- New public spaces and events square
- Entertainment venue construction
- Restoration of historic buildings
- Transport upgrades
- Conversion of existing structures for residential purposes
While planning permission is still under evaluation for the market upgrade, the overall project is already well underway.
The first phase, which includes the conversion of the indoor market, is set to conclude before the end of the year.
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The planned work is the biggest redevelopment of the town centre in 50 years[/caption]
The new refurbished market is being funded through a £16.5 million government grant[/caption]
The blueprint focuses on six regeneration areas in the town centre including the ‘Cultural Heart’[/caption]
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