BAM begins construction on first phase of major regeneration scheme in Huddersfield town centre

A ground breaking ceremony marked the start of construction on the first phase of Kirklees Council’s major regeneration scheme in Huddersfield town centre – Our Cultural Heart.

BAM has started work on the first phase of the scheme, the refurbishment of Huddersfield’s former Queensgate Market building, and its transformation into a vibrant new food hall and modern library. Both the food hall and new library will directly feed out to a new public square, with the connecting space perfectly suited to outdoor cultural events and gatherings.

To mark this significant project milestone, senior figures from Kirklees Council – including the Leader of the Council, Councillor Carole Pattison – joined project colleagues from Turner & Townsend and BAM.

Paul Cleminson, pre-construction director at BAM, said: ‘This is an exciting scheme for Huddersfield that will leave a lasting legacy in the town and we’re delighted to be starting work on site.  An important driver for BAM is ensuring our projects positively impact the local community and we want to make sure that this project also leaves a lasting legacy for the people and businesses of Kirklees. We’re driving investment into the local economy by employing Kirklees-based subcontractors, procuring materials locally, and creating employment and apprenticeship opportunities on the project. We’ll also be reaching out to local schools and colleges, to provide learning opportunities on the project.’

Councillor Carole Pattison, Leader of Kirklees Council, said: ‘It’s a proud moment to see the main construction work on Our Cultural Heart get going and comes after extensive planning and consultation efforts over the last few years. We have high ambitions for this new era of our town centre. Developments like Our Cultural Heart will bring more visitors to the town and help to drive growth and investment in Huddersfield and the wider Kirklees borough. Now that the internal strip out is completed and the real work is underway, the transformation of the site will quickly become visible to all in our town and a source of pride and excitement for what’s to come.’

BAM has already completed significant pre-construction site preparation, with work including the ‘soft stripping’ of all non-structural and internal fixtures and fittings, as well as the removal of the former market stalls and asbestos.

Kirklees Council submitted updated plans for the second phase of the Our Cultural Heart development earlier this month, concentrating on a flagship new museum and art gallery in the former library building on Princess Alexandra Walk.