A Surprising, Inclusive And Social
Destination For All
Our cultural heart masterplan
Phase one
Food hall
The striking Grade II Listed building that was formerly known as Queensgate Market will be carefully refurbished so that part of it can become a bustling new food hall.
With around ten independent food stalls, all centred around large communal seating areas, the food hall will become the social hub of Our Cultural Heart and will keep the area busy throughout the day and into the late evening.
Phase one
Library
Alongside the food hall, the former Queensgate market hall will also be transformed into a new glass-fronted library.
Designed with the town’s community needs in mind, this flexible space will feature group meeting spaces, quiet breakout rooms, a dedicated children’s area, a local history room and computer facilities.
Phase one
Public Square
An attractive new public square, framed by the new library and food hall, will provide an active and vibrant outdoor centrepiece for the scheme.
With enough space for 3,000 visitors, the square will bring people together and suit a range of community and cultural events – from food festivals and live music to outdoor cinema and theatre.
Phase Two
Museum and Art Gallery
The striking Grade II Listed building on Princess Alexandra Walk that, until recently, housed the town’s existing library and art gallery will be thoughtfully redeveloped to become a flagship museum and art gallery space.
With a modern extension to the north, a 50-seat café and museum shop, the venue will become one of the leading cultural galleries in Yorkshire, helping to attract more visitors to the town and creating exciting opportunities for local businesses and the UK’s cultural sector.
Future Phases
Urban Park and Queen Street
Our Cultural Heart will reinvent what can be achieved in urban public spaces. The new public park will be a destination in its own right – providing a truly accessible focal point for people of all ages and walks of life to meet, socialise, relax, play, and share experiences. The well-lit destination will act as a key link between the scheme and the wider town centre, including the celebrated Lawrence Batley Theatre and Town Hall.
On Queen Street, a new two-storey building will play a vital role in improving the edge of the site and the new public park – creating a more accessible and level public space. This building will offer exciting opportunities for an array of future uses.
Future Phases
The Venue
There is a long-term ambition for Our Cultural Heart to deliver a brand-new live entertainment venue with a capacity of up to 2,200 people, alongside a modern car park with EV charging.
A review of this final phase of the project is ongoing. The phased approach to the overall masterplan has been designed to ensure the Council has the flexibility to react and adapt to the ever-changing market and economic conditions.