As the demolition around the former Queensgate Market opens up what will be a new food hall, Kirklees Council is seeking an operator to run the venue.

The council and its development partner Turner & Townsend have appointed consultants Milligan to find an operator for the 17,000 sq ft food hall in Huddersfield’s Our Cultural Heart.

Work is now well underway to turn the former Grade II-listed Queensgate Market into a new food hall.

Demolition work to the surrounding shops has opened up the unique roof made up of 21 concrete mushroom-like structures. Each has four thin double-curved shells known as ‘hyperbolic parabaloids.’

The food hall operator will play a key role in designing and managing the space while bringing together a mix of food and drink outlets.

Alex Hyams, head of mixed-use asset management at Milligan, said: “The fundamentals of Huddersfield and the wider Kirklees borough are exceptional; great infrastructure, geographically well positioned, rich history and heritage, and a forward-thinking local authority.

“Huddersfield itself boasts a well-proportioned town centre that benefits from exciting, untapped potential.

 

 

“Milligan are proud to be working with Turner & Townsend and Kirklees Council on Our Cultural Heart, the centrepiece for the transformative regeneration work being delivered across Huddersfield town centre.

“It’ll bring life, culture, art, events and live music to the town and it’ll be anchored by a 17,000 sq ft food hall.

“The food hall will operate from the beautifully restored, Grade II-listed Queensgate Market building. We’re actively engaging with the food hall sector to find the right operator for the space.

“Our team have worked on the successful delivery of a number of food halls across the UK including Sheffield, Liverpool and London.

“The truly unique food hall space being brought forward in Huddersfield is really special and presents a great opportunity to define the character and future of Huddersfield town centre. Our focus is finding the right operator and the right concept to bring the space to life.”

Clr Graham Turner, Cabinet member for regeneration at Kirklees Council, said: “We are committed to making Huddersfield a destination where people can come together to enjoy a wide range of social and cultural activities. Hospitality plays an important role in our vision, which is why we are investing in this fantastic food hall.

“Sitting alongside the new community library and public square, it will play a major role in helping us grow footfall as well as attracting more of the families and age groups that have typically travelled further afield.

“We look forward to securing a dynamic food hall operator that reflects our ambitious future and can showcase some of our fantastic local food entrepreneurs.”