The report builds on the approvals and delegations previously given by Cabinet.
Phase 2 (combined museum & art gallery, public realm and basement) is the main focus of the report which sets out the next steps in the delivery of this asset.
There is also an update on Phase 1 (library, food hall, public square/public realm, and basement) outlining the contractor’s progress on site.
As part of the ongoing work on the master plan there is an overview of the remaining phases including the ongoing review of the venue, the development of the Queen Street plot and the outcomes of a phasing review.
The report outlines the previously approved spend and updates on the drawdown of releases for next steps within the approved Our Cultural Heart Capital plan budget.
In addition to the construction activity there is an update on the budgets for the council’s operational and support services pre and post-opening costs in preparing for the opening and ongoing operation of the facilities within Our Cultural Heart.
Background Papers
1. March 2019 – Cabinet Report - Assembling land and property – Huddersfield Town Centre (Piazza) - https://democracy.kirklees.gov.uk/documents/s29122/Item%2014%20Land%20Assembly.pdf
2. June 2019 - Blueprint Launch Event
3. August - Oct 2019 - Huddersfield Blueprint Place Standard Exercise – Results at https://howgoodisourplace.org.uk/huddersfield-town-centre/
4. February 2020 – Cabinet Report - Huddersfield Blueprint - Next Steps -https://democracy.kirklees.gov.uk/documents/s34958/Item%2015%20CAB%20-%2020%20-%20071%20-%202020-02-25%20Cabinet%20Huddersfield%20Blueprint%20-%20Next%20Steps%20Final.pdf
5. September 2020 – Cabinet Report Dewsbury and Huddersfield Town Centre Finance - https://democracy.kirklees.gov.uk/documents/s37506/Town%20Centre%20Finance%20Cabinet%20Report%20-%20Final%20Version.doc.pdf
6. June 2021 – Cabinet Report - Cultural Heart, part of the Huddersfield Blueprint – Next Stepshttps://democracy.kirklees.gov.uk/documents/s41881/Delivering%20the%20Cultural%20Heart%20Cabinet%2022.6.21%20002.pdf
7. November 2021 - Cabinet Report, Cultural Heart, part of the Huddersfield Blueprint, Gateway 1.
8. September 2022 – Cabinet Report – Cultural Heart, part of the Huddersfield Blueprint – Gateway 2.
9. June 2023, Cabinet Report - Cultural Heart, part of the Huddersfield Blueprint - Gateway 3.
https://democracy.kirklees.gov.uk/documents/s52438/Cabinet%20Report%2027.6.23%20public.pdf
10. December 2023 - Cabinet Report – Our Cultural Heart, part of the Huddersfield Blueprint – Phase 1 Gateway 4.
11. July 2024 – Decision – Our Cultural Heart Phase 1, Structural works to former Queensgate Market.
https://democracy.kirklees.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?Id=12075
12.January 2025 – Cabinet Report – Our Cultural Heart, part of the Huddersfield Blueprint – Phase 2 Gateway 3
Consultation
Extensive consultation has been undertaken as part of the Blueprint including a place standard exercise as outlined in the background papers, the design process and public consultations for a planning and listed building consent submissions.
Decision type: Key
Reason Key: Expenditure/Savings > £500,000;
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Wards affected: Newsome;
Notice of proposed decision first published: 07/08/2025
Anticipated restriction: Part exempt - View reasons
Decision due: 9 Sep 2025 by Cabinet
Lead member: Portfolio Holder - Finance & Regeneration
Lead director: Executive Director for Place
Department: Finance and Regeneration
Contact: David Glover Email: david.glover@kirklees.gov.uk.
Members/Officers Involved: Cllr Graham Turner David Shepherd David Wildman David Glover