18 August 2026 —
Kirklees Council has appointed BAM UK & Ireland (BAM) as the principal contractor for the second phase of Our Cultural Heart.
Our Cultural Heart is the flagship development programme transforming Huddersfield town centre, regenerating the area between Queensgate, Queen Street, King Street and Victoria Lane into a vibrant cultural and social destination.
Phase Two, which officially began on site last month, will see the conversion of the former Huddersfield Library building on Princess Alexandra Walk, originally built in the 1930s, into a flagship new museum and art gallery for the town. The Grade II-listed building will be sensitively refurbished alongside a striking contemporary extension.
The package of works will also include the demolition of the adjacent Piazza Shopping Centre, making way for future phases of the ambitious masterplan, including a large urban park.
The £55.9 million contract was awarded under the Crown Commercial Service’s Construction Works and Associated Services framework. Phase Two’s main works are scheduled to run from summer 2026 until winter 2027/28, with the museum and gallery aiming to open to the public in spring 2029 following extensive internal fit-out.
Having been the lead construction contractor for Phase One of Our Cultural Heart, this contract will see BAM continue its partnership with Kirklees Council to deliver Phase Two, building on its social value commitments, working with local communities, businesses and supply chain partners throughout the project.
David Shepherd, Executive Director for Place, Kirklees Council, said:
“Appointing BAM to deliver Phase Two is a significant milestone for Our Cultural Heart and for the regeneration of Huddersfield town centre. With work now underway, we’re moving into the next major stage of delivering our ambitious plans for the town.
“BAM brings valuable experience from its work on Phase One, and that continuity will help us maintain the momentum we’ve built as we move forward with this complex and significant programme.
“Phase Two will breathe new life into one of Huddersfield’s landmark buildings, creating a museum and art gallery that celebrates our heritage while giving the town a cultural destination with the quality and ambition to stand among the best in Yorkshire.
“This is about much more than a single building. Our Cultural Heart is reshaping this part of Huddersfield town centre, creating new reasons for people to visit, spend time here and be part of its future.”
Matt Garnett, BAM Construction Manager, added:
“We’re proud to continue our work with Kirklees Council on such an important regeneration programme for the people and businesses of Huddersfield.
“Phase two will bring a much-loved 1930s building back into use as a new Museum and Gallery, while supporting the wider transformation of the town centre. Reusing and adapting the existing library building is a significant part of the scheme, helping to preserve local heritage while creating a vibrant cultural destination for future generations.”
The first phase of the project included a vibrant new food hall in the iconic former Queensgate Market building, a flagship library hub and a new public square. The library hub and public square elements of Phase One are expected to open in summer 2026, with the food hall scheduled to open in 2027.
Keep up to date with the project by signing up to the Our Cultural Heart newsletter.