A development firm at the heart of three major building projects in Huddersfield wants to create a legacy for the town.
BAM has been appointed as lead contractor for the first phase of Kirklees Council’s flagship ‘Our Cultural Heart’ development which will transform Huddersfield town centre.
The company is already working on the University of Huddersfield’s Daphne Steele Building, the first building on the National Health Innovation Campus, and is also involved in the construction of a new Huddersfield Railway Station as part of the multi-billion pound TransPennine Route Upgrade.
Plans for Our Cultural Heart – the centrepiece of the council’s 10-year Huddersfield Blueprint vision – include the refurbishment of the former Queensgate Market and Huddersfield Library buildings to house a vibrant food hall and a modern museum and gallery respectively.
These will sit alongside a new community-focused library, live entertainment venue and a 350-space car park.
Phase one of the works will concentrate on the major refurbishment of the historic Queensgate Market site, which will be transformed into a new food hall and modern library along with a brand-new outdoor public square.
Survey and preparation works will take place in 2023, with main construction works starting next year. The first phase of the scheme is expected to complete in winter 2025.
Paul Cleminson, pre-construction director for BAM, said: “This is an exciting scheme for Huddersfield and its wider regeneration.
“As a resident of Kirklees, I hope that this will be another vital piece of the plan, to attract people back to the town centre.
“The chance to build something special for the town brings with it an obligation, as a responsible business, to use this opportunity to add value to the local economy and community.
“For BAM it will allow us to build on the work we are doing at Huddersfield Station and the new Daphne Steele Building for the University of Huddersfield, where we are working to leave a positive community legacy, as well as delivering outstanding new buildings and infrastructure.”
