Huddersfield Market will provide an improved traditional market, a better food and beverage offering to complement the offering in the surrounding area, a more vibrant calendar of events, and more fresh and innovative support for local businesses and entrepreneurs to drive economic growth for the town centre.
Following the government’s announcement in November 2023 to allocate £16.5millon of funding for the regeneration of the Huddersfield Market site the project team have been busy progressing the proposed scheme. We can now share the designs in more detail and welcome local residents, businesses, and visitors to Huddersfield town centre to comment on them.
We want to know what people enjoy most about visiting the market, your views on our proposals and if there is anything else that should be provided to ensure this project will create a vibrant and sustainable market in the town centre.
What do the plans show?
The majority of the investment will be focussed on the existing Grade II* listed market building which dates from 1887. It is characterised by its decorative cast iron frame, large roof spans and glazed exterior walls, however the structure is showing its age and needs essential repairs.
Research has been undertaken to establish the original paint colours, which are traditional red, pinks and creams and as part of a comprehensive repair, will be faithfully restored. These were typical of municipal buildings and services in Huddersfield at that time.
The proposals also include two new market buildings and improved public realm on the area next to the Tesco car park, this will be known as the Market Yard. The new buildings form active edges to a market square that can host market traders who are well suited to outdoor trading.
The new buildings will be targeted at traders, producers, and business start-ups that require small self-contained units.
The designs also include changes to the existing stalls including new demountable stalls which can be moved and re-arranged to suit the different requirements of individual market days. This will mean the market has enhanced capability to host a varied and diverse mix of market offers and market-led events.
New permanent, fixed stalls with power and water provision within the main market are also included in the designs. These would provide space for traditional market offers such as fruit and veg, butchers, fish mongers, deli, cheese etc.
What happens next?
We are engaging with the public from Friday 22 November to Monday 23 December on the plans. Come along to Huddersfield Market on Saturday 23 November and Tuesday 26 November to view the designs in person and speak to the project team.
Councillor Graham Turner, Cabinet Member for Finance & Regeneration, said:
“Huddersfield Market is already a popular town centre location where people like to visit and support local businesses and through this investment we want to ensure it remains so for generations to come.
“These plans would drive more footfall by giving people even more reasons to visit, with room to enjoy seasonal events and socialise with friends and family.
“We have been engaging with residents and traders to create designs that work for everyone. After listening to what people have had to say, further concept designs are now available to comment on as part of a fresh consultation.”
