Huddersfield market building to become food hall

Huddersfield’s former Queensgate Market building is to reopen as a food hall as part of a £210m scheme.

The Local Planning Authority has granted approval for the redevelopment of the Grade II-listed space, which will feature ten independent food stalls.

The traders will be centred around a large communal seating area that Kirklees Council said would form a “new social focal point” for the area.

It will form part of a £210m ‘Cultural Heart’ development, which is set to transform Huddersfield town centre.

A new glass-fronted library will also be built within the old market building and a special event space will take over the top floor.

Construction of the first phase of the scheme will begin in spring 2024 and is expected to complete in spring 2026.

Shabir Pandor, leader of Kirklees Council, said: “We are in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis and we understand that times are challenging right now for many. This reinforces our ambition to grow our town centre offer and give people more reasons to visit and spend time here. The public square, food hall, museum and library will be amazing new spaces that provide free and low-cost activities – ultimately bringing our diverse community closer together.”