New museum and gallery and Huddersfield get go ahead in 'major milestone'
The facilities are set to go into the Grade II listed former library
Huddersfield’s £262m Our Cultural Heart project has reached a major milestone as plans for the town’s brand new museum and art gallery get the go-ahead.
The museum and gallery come as ‘Phase 2’ of Kirklees Council’s mammoth scheme, with the facilities to be jointly housed in the iconic Grade II Listed former library building sitting at Princess Alexandra Walk. The historic four-storey building can now undergo major refurbishment, with an extension towards King Street, as planning permission was granted today (January 28).
Originally, the museum alone would’ve taken up the library building and the gallery, a plot at Queen Street, but financial pressures prompted a re-think.
Once it’s up and running, the new premises will boast a variety of displays and exhibitions, including “high-profile” touring exhibitions, a permanent collection and temporary and community exhibitions. On top of this, there will be space for education, events and socialising, along with a café and shop.
Spades are expected to be in the ground for this part of the project by early 2026, with Cabinet recently agreeing to release £5.4m from the Cultural Heart budget to progress final design work and the procurement of a construction contractor.
Councillor Graham Turner, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: “This is another important milestone for Our Cultural Heart. The new museum and art gallery will become a key cultural destination for Yorkshire and showcase the huge mix of talent we have across the region. Not only will this project attract more visitors to our town centre and boost Kirklees’ economy, it will also ensure the long-term preservation and vitality of one of our most cherished buildings.
“Regeneration is not just about bricks and mortar. Our ambition is to give local people and visitors more reasons to spend time in the town centre. By increasing footfall, and in turn commercial opportunities, our plans will also benefit existing and future businesses from all sectors. Thriving businesses in turn provide employment opportunities for our communities.
“Huddersfield has a bright future, and I am proud to be part of it.”
The first phase of the Cultural Heart is already well-underway as the former Queensgate Market building is partly demolished and transformed into a food hall, with an adjoining library and public square. This is due to be open in Summer 2026.
As for the later phases, phase 3, relating to the plot of land at Queen Street is still uncertain, with housing, a hotel or offices, among its possible uses. Phase 4 will see the construction of an urban park which could potentially be brought forward in the timeline. However, the final phase – the entertainment venue and multi-storey car park – is likely to be scaled back in some form, with the council to carry out a review in a bid to reduce construction costs.