Decision details

The decision has been taken to determine the preferred operating model for the Our Cultural Heart (OCH) Phase 1 Food Hall, in order to enable mobilisation and the progression of fit-out procurement in line with the agreed delivery programme.

Cabinet, in March 2026, delegated authority, to conclude the food hall operator selection process and determine the operating model that represents the best outcome for the Council.

Extensive market engagement was undertaken with potential food hall operators, supported by specialist advisors. Three delivery options were considered:

·       A lease to a third-party food hall operator

·       A management agreement with a specialist operator

·       Direct, Council-led operation of the Food Hall

Each option was assessed against deliverability, financial implications, risk profile, control, and alignment with the Council’s regeneration, social value and place-making objectives. Following this assessment and taking account of the Council’s commitment to fund the food hall fit-out, direct Council-led operation was identified as offering the most appropriate balance of control, long-term value and alignment with the objectives of the Our Cultural Heart programme.

Alternative options were not recommended at this stage due to higher counterparty risk, reduced flexibility, or increased programme delay.

This decision is taken under delegated powers approved by Cabinet on 24 March 2026 as part of the report “Our Cultural Heart, part of the Huddersfield Blueprint – Phase 1 Food Hall”.

The following documents support this decision:

• Cabinet Report – Our Cultural Heart, part of the Huddersfield Blueprint – Phase 1 Food Hall (March 2026) - March 2026 – Cabinet Report – Our Cultural Heart, part of the Huddersfield Blueprint – Phase 1 Food Hall
• OCH Food Hall Operator – Decision Report (Private, May 2026)
• OCH Food Hall Operator – Decision Report (Public, May 2026)
• Previous Cabinet reports relating to the Our Cultural Heart programme (links provided within the March 2026 Cabinet report, and Decision report)

The decision is to approve the progression of an in-house, Council-led operating model for the Our Cultural Heart Phase 1 Food Hall. This includes authorising officers to:

·       Proceed with mobilisation of a Council-led food hall operation

·       Put in place the necessary governance, staffing, commissioning and operational arrangements

·       Procure specialist support and operational contracts as required, in accordance with the Council’s Financial and Contract Procedure Rules and relevant legislation outlined in the report

·       Progress food hall fit-out procurement and mobilisation activity to support an opening as early as practicable in 2027.