WATCH: First look at Huddersfield’s new library hub ahead of opening

On September 17, members of the press got to preview the brand new library which will be opening to the public on Monday September 21.

The library makes up part of the first phase of Kirklees Council’s massive Our Cultural Heart scheme which is set to transform the town centre in the coming years and is projected to cost around £200m.

The first phase of the scheme also encompasses the public space – Queensgate Square – which is located right outside of the library and is also completed, as well as the new food hall which is expected to open in Spring/Summer 2027.

While the scheme was devised under the previous Labour administration, senior Reform councillors in attendance voiced their support for the new facility.

Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Highways and Transport, Coun John Hardie, said: “I think it’s really exciting. I’ve been in once or twice and seen it develop and I think it’s going to be a great place for Huddersfield and for the people of Huddersfield.”

Since coming into power the new administration has placed an emphasis on getting the best value for money for taxpayers and is undertaking a review of the council’s entire Capital Plan which includes the Cultural Heart.

Councillor Hardie told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), that the later phases of the Cultural Heart scheme were being reviewed to ensure they are of good value and said that the aim is to bring people into Huddersfield and create a “lively, vibrant centre”.

Cabinet Member for Place, Culture and Volunteering, Coun Pip Harvey, also spoke of Cabinet’s commitment to ensuring the best value for money for residents and said: “I’m Huddersfield born and bred so as a Yorkshire girl, I’m all about expensive and ‘how much?’ so be reassured residents – that is our main objective – to make sure that you all get value for money.”

Councillor Harvey said that people can expect “a bit of everything” at the new library hub. She continued: “I think that’s what is great about the Cultural Heart project – you’ve got the fabulous new library, which isn’t just somewhere to read books, it’s somewhere to be creative, somewhere to have a form of escapism.

“As for the Queensgate Square, we want it to be utilised in a number of ways – community-based, volunteer-based, events-based, embracing local artists, and showcasing everything that’s great about Huddersfield.”

The LDRS also caught a glimpse of how the new food hall is shaping up, which has made strides in recent months. A once-hidden artwork – ‘Commerce’, by Fritz Steller – now takes a prominent place, as do the distinctive paraboloid structures which are an integral part of the ceiling.

Kirklees Council’s Strategic Director for Growth and Regeneration, David Shepherd, said that the new food hall will accommodate 500 covers inside, with an additional couple of hundred out in the public square. Once up and running, the food hall will have eight kitchens and a central bar area, with the council currently looking for vendors.

With the Reform Cabinet reviewing the Capital Plan, we asked Mr Shepherd which elements of the Cultural Heart the council is committed to. He said: “Everything is up for review that we’re not currently in contract for – obviously we’ve delivered this element, we are in contract for Phase 2, we are in contract for the demolition of Phase 3 as well. But we are undertaking that review right now.

“That will feed into the Cabinet report that I bring later in the year and we’ll say more about that then because then we’ll be able to set out in the context of the wider Capital Plan where the council wants to put its money for its future investment.”

As it stands, Phase 3 of the scheme refers to the urban park, with it understood that the Queen Street plot may ultimately become part of this phase. Clarity around the proposed use of the Queen Street plot – which at one point was hoped to become a STEM block for Greenhead College – is expected this winter.

Proposals for the final stage of the project are anticipated at a later date.