Issue details

This report builds on the approvals and delegated authorities previously agreed by Cabinet and provides an update on the proposed Food Hall operating model within the Our Cultural Heart development. It sets out the next steps required to ensure the Food Hall can be delivered in a timely manner and in line with the overall programme.

In particular, the report clarifies the fit?out requirements for the Food Hall space to ensure it meets operator expectations and functional needs. This will enable the accommodation to be prepared and ready for occupation as soon as practicable, supporting early activation of the space and the successful operation of the Food Hall from its opening.

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.

https://democracy.kirklees.gov.uk/documents/s43757/PUBLIC%20CUTLURAL%20HEART%20Cabinet%20Report.%20Final%2016.11.21.pdf

8.     September 2022 – Cabinet Report – Cultural Heart, part of the Huddersfield Blueprint – Gateway 2.

https://democracy.kirklees.gov.uk/documents/s48238/PUBLIC%20Cultural%20Heart%20Cabinet%20Report%2021.9.22.pdf

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.

https://democracy.kirklees.gov.uk/documents/s54749/Signed.%20OCH%20GW4%20Cabinet%20Report%2021.12.23%20public.pdf

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

https://democracy.kirklees.gov.uk/documents/s61864/Our%20Cultural%20Heart.%20Cabinet%20Report.%2021.1.25.pdf

13.  September 2025 – Cabinet Report – Our Cultural Heart,

part of the Huddersfield Blueprint – Phase 2 Gateway 4

https://democracy.kirklees.gov.uk/documents/s66104/Signed%20Final.%20Our%20Cultural%20Heart.%20Cabinet%20Report.%209.9.25.pdf

Engagement and consultation

A comprehensive marketing and communications campaign is actively supporting the project.

Alongside ongoing engagement with prospective food hall tenant/operators, which is the focus of this report, we are maintaining regular liaison with internal services and councillors.

This sits within a broader programme of proactive communications and engagement, including regional and national press coverage (broadcast and print), a sustained social media presence, regular newsletter updates, and in-person engagement at community events. We have also facilitated site visits for stakeholders and community groups to ensure continued visibility and transparency as the project progresses.

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.