Kirklees Council has announced a projected start date for construction work on the first phase of an ambitious regeneration project in the centre of Huddersfield.
This project has been named Our Cultural Heart and the total cost is expected to be £262 million. Around £51.7 million of this will be provided by the council for the first phase, which will centre on refurbishing the building that used to house Queensgate Market. That is set to be turned into a food hall, with a brand new central library within its east wing.
The east wing will be within an extension to the existing structure with a glass front. The completed library and food hall will be joined by a new square to be used for public gatherings and live events.
Work on the designs for this phase of the project is expected to be finished by early to mid-spring. Graphic design outlets in Huddersfield can be a big help during that stage of regeneration schemes.
BAM has already been appointed as the contractor to deliver the first phase this summer, once the designs have been finalised. The council has indicated that it is eager for enabling works – such as disconnections, strip-outs and asbestos removal – to begin soon.
The expected start date for the actual construction is June or July.
