Planning application submitted for Huddersfield’s new Museum and Art Gallery

20 September 2024

Kirklees Council has submitted updated plans for Phase Two of the Our Cultural Heart development in Huddersfield, focusing on transforming the former library into a museum and art gallery.

Phase One, which includes a food hall and community library at the Queensgate Market site, is already underway. The refurbishment, designed by FCBStudios, will enhance the Grade II Listed building with a new extension, improving accessibility. The museum will feature galleries, event spaces, and a café, aiming to boost tourism and support local businesses and the cultural sector.

Councillor Graham Turner, Cabinet Member for Finance and Regeneration, said: “This is an exciting moment for the Our Cultural Heart programme, as construction begins on the new food hall and library this month, and plans are now in place for the second phase of the development.

“Our decision to phase the programme was always about ensuring its successful delivery, not reducing our overall ambition. We believe the new museum and art gallery has the potential to become one of the leading cultural destinations in Yorkshire, showcasing the rich stories and talent of Huddersfield and the wider Kirklees borough. Not only will it help bring more visitors to our town centre, but it also ensures the long-term viability of one of our most treasured heritage buildings.”

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