Bam Construction has been appointed as the main contractor for the first phase of a £210m cultural regeneration scheme in Huddersfield.
The Our Cultural Heart scheme will see the old Queensgate Market and Huddersfield Library buildings refurbished to house a food hall, museum and gallery to sit alongside a new community-focused library, a live entertainment venue and a 350-space car park.
The first phase will focus on the transformation of the historic market site into a dining hall and library along with an outdoor public square.
Site preparation and surveying work is due to be completed in the coming months, with work set to begin in earnest early next year. The first phase is expected to be completed in the winter of 2025.
Future phases of the development include a proposal to bring together Huddersfield’s museum and art gallery under one roof in the Grade II listed building which formerly housed the town’s library.
Kirklees Council approved Bam’s appointment this week along with the release of an additional £5.6 million of project-allocated funds to trigger the completion of a program delivery schedule.
Paul Cleminson, Bam’s project director for Our Cultural Heart, said the scheme was important for Huddersfield and its wider regeneration.
“The opportunity to build something special for the city comes with an obligation, as a responsible business, to use that opportunity to add value to the local economy and community,” he said.
“For Bam, it will allow us to build on the work we are doing at Huddersfield station and the new Daphne Steele building for the University. [of Huddersfield]where we are working to leave a positive community legacy as well as deliver exceptional new buildings and infrastructure.”
Kirklees Council leader Shabir Pandor said the development, which gained planning consent in March, demonstrated the council’s commitment to the area’s future prosperity.
“In times of financial challenge, such as we are facing now, it is vital that we do not lose sight of the investment that will safeguard our economy into the future,” he said.
“Our cultural heart is testament to our commitment to bringing a prosperous new era to Kirklees alongside vital community services such as the library, museum and gallery which will be free to visit.”
Graham Turner, Kirklees Council’s cabinet member for regeneration, said the scheme would deliver multiple long-term benefits for Huddersfield and the wider borough.
“It will increase visitor numbers to our town centre, safeguard key heritage assets, create new job opportunities, enhance our green credentials and act as a catalyst for further investment and economic growth,” he said.
