The historic former Queensgate Market building in Huddersfield is to be celebrated with an online exhibition and we want YOUR memories, photos and memorabilia.

The grade II-listed building is about to be transformed into a vibrant new food hall and library as part of Kirklees Council’s ambitious Our Cultural Heart town centre redevelopment scheme.

And Huddersfield Hub has teamed up with Kirklees Council to help create an online exhibition – and potentially a ‘real life’ exhibition in the town centre – to celebrate the market’s history.

The market building, opened in 1970, features a unique roof made up of 21 concrete mushroom-like structures. Each has four thin double-curved shells known as ‘hyperbolic parabaloids.’

The aim of the roof design was to let the light in and create a something of an ‘open market’ feel to the market hall.

Outside, the market features 10 decorative ceramic panels entitled ‘Articulation in Movement’ created by German sculptor Fritz Steller. As part of the latest development the panels will be taken away for expert restoration before being put back.

 

 

The project is called ‘Market Memories’ and Huddersfield Hub editor Martin Shaw said: “For decades Queensgate Market was the heartbeat of the town and, together with Kirklees Council, we want to hear your memories of shopping and working in the market.

“Who were the characters you remember? Winn’s fishmongers, Harry Howarth, D’Agostino’s Ice Cream Parlour, Continental Foods, Merrie England, Bostock’s Records.

“Many people remember childhood shopping trips with their mums or grandmas or maybe you had your first Saturday job on the market.

“What are your memories and do you have any old photographs or other memorabilia that you’d like to share?

“The council and its development team hope to incorporate some of these memories into an online gallery and we may even be able to put together an exhibition to go on show in the town centre.

“Whether your memories come in photo, video or story form, we’d love for you to share them with us.”

Please send your Market Memories via email only please to info@ourculturalheart.co.uk and keep an eye on https://huddersfieldhub.co.uk/ where we’ll be sharing some of your memories.

 

Expert restoration planned for iconic Fritz Stellar ceramic sculptures on former Queensgate Market building