It’s the end of an era as Huddersfield’s Queensgate Market closes for the last time on Saturday (October 29).

Many traders are re-locating to shops in the town centre with seven of them to the Packhorse Centre. One, Simon’s pick ‘n’ mix sweets, is going to Huddersfield Open Market.

Some businesses have already closed, such as Quality Butchers, and others will pull down the shutters for good on Saturday including long-serving Mark Smith, of Cowlings greengrocers, who has been on the market for 48 years.

Queensgate Market will shut its doors at the end of trading on Saturday as Kirklees Council starts preparation works to turn the listed building into a food hall as part of the £210 million Cultural Heart proposals.

Market traders have received compensation for surrendering their leases and Kirklees Council has helped relocations into disused or vacant premises.

Clr Eric Firth, Cabinet member for town centres, said: “Independent traders are at the heart of Kirklees, and we are pleased to be able to offer them our full support to thrive in our community in what we appreciate is an unsettling time, particularly as we all face a cost-of-living crisis.

“Our plans to remodel the market and surrounding area as the Cultural Heart is part of the wider vision for a vibrant town centre, which is key to ensuring Huddersfield’s economy remains resilient.”

Lindsay (left) and Jaimie Foster at Lincoln’s Florist

Jaimie Foster, of Lincoln’s Florist, which is moving to High Street, said: “We were apprehensive at first about making the change but with the support we’ve had from Kirklees Council we’re now really excited for our big move.

“It will be emotional to leave the market hall and the other traders after 16 years but the plans to use the space for a new food hall are really exciting and will make excellent use of our iconic building.”

The Cultural Heart will create a landmark public park, alongside community attractions including a live entertainment venue, library, museum, art gallery and food hall. A planning application has been submitted.

The council also wants to revamp the current outdoor market site as part of an £18.4 million scheme for the Northumberland Street area. It’s one of four bids submitted to the Government’s Levelling Up Fund.

Here are traders’ new locations after the closure of Queensgate Market:

  • Hair Studio, 1 Wood Street, Huddersfield
  • Lynn’s Café, 13 Market Walk, Huddersfield
  • Lincoln’s Florist, 1 High Street, Huddersfield
  • Beauty Defined, 9 High Street, Huddersfield
  • Simon’s Pick ‘n’ Mix, Huddersfield Open Market
  • Pud Puds Pet Supplies, 3 Imperial Arcade, Huddersfield
  • Direct Connections & E-cigs, 6 Marketplace, Huddersfield
  • Smokers World, 9 Market Walk, Huddersfield
  • Suits Direct & Bags, 10 & 12 Imperial Arcade, Huddersfield
  • Nail Fairy, 2 Buxton Way, New Street, Huddersfield
  • Miss Nails, 15 Market Place, Huddersfield
  • Alice’s Kitchen, Packhorse Shopping Centre
  • Rice and Noodle Café Food Court, Packhorse Shopping Centre
  • Queensgate Ironmongers, Packhorse Shopping Centre
  • Joker 666, Packhorse Shopping Centre
  • Clothing Alterations, Packhorse Shopping Centre
  • Samuel Taylor’s Button Box, Packhorse Shopping Centre
  • Card Circle, Packhorse Shopping Centre

New £18 million Huddersfield market is part of Kirklees Council’s £83 million bid for Government Levelling Up Fund cash