The next phase of the Huddersfield town centre regeneration programme called Our Cultural Heart, has received full cabinet approved funding from Kirklees Council.

Councillors agreed the release of £5.413m from the overall project budget for Phase 2. This funding will be used to progress the next stage of Phase 2 contractor procurement and design. An £250K will also be released for work on the programme master plan.

Cllr Graham Turner, Cabinet Member for Regeneration atKirklees Council, said: “Our Cultural Heart is our most ambitious regeneration programme, when completed it will bring a new, community-centred arts and leisure offer to the town, providing cultural activities to enjoy during the day and into the evening.

“Releasing the funds demonstrates our commitment to delivering something everyone can be proud of and doing that in a way that delivers real changes on the ground in the next few years.

“Regeneration is not just about bricks and mortar. Our ambition is to give local people and visitors more reasons to spend time in the town centre. By increasing footfall, and in turn commercial opportunities, our plans will also benefit existing and future businesses from all sectors. Thriving businesses in turn provide employment opportunities for our communities.’

With work already underway on phase one of the scheme which will see the old Queensgate market reinvigorated as a community hub and leisure space with a library, food hall, exciting new public square designed for socialising and events. Phase two of the project will see the four-storey former library become a brand-new museum and art gallery with a 50-seat café with outdoor terrace. The plans include a sympathetic new extension which will improve accessibility, and better connecting the building with the outdoor space and the wider Our Cultural Heart.