12 November 2024 —
Kirklees Council and their development partner, Turner & Townsend, has appointed Milligan to secure an operator for the new 17,000 sq ft food hall in Huddersfield town centre.
As part of the wider Our Cultural Heart development, construction is now underway to transform the historic Grade II Listed former Queensgate Market building into a vibrant new culinary experience – helping to attract more residents and visitors into the heart of the town centre.
The food hall operator will play a key role in designing and managing the space, while curating a dynamic and diverse selection of vendors that highlight the very best of Kirklees’ food and drink scene.
Cllr Graham Turner, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said:
“Our Cultural Heart is central to our plans to revive the town centre. We are committed to making Huddersfield a destination where people can come together to enjoy a wide range of social and cultural activities. Hospitality plays an important role in our vision, which is why we are investing in this fantastic food hall.
“Sitting alongside the new community library and public square, it will play a major role in helping us grow footfall. As well as attracting more of the families and age groups that have typically travelled further afield.
“We look forward to securing a dynamic foodhall operator that reflects our ambitious future and can showcase some of our fantastic local food entrepreneurs.”
Alex Hyams, Head of Mixed-Use Asset Management at Milligan, added:
“The fundamentals of Huddersfield and the wider Kirklees borough are exceptional; great infrastructure, geographically well positioned, rich history and heritage, and a forward-thinking local authority. Huddersfield itself boasts a well-proportioned town centre that benefits from exciting, untapped potential.
“Milligan are proud to be working with Turner & Townsend and Kirklees Council on Our Cultural Heart, the centrepiece for the transformative regeneration work being delivered across Huddersfield town centre. It’ll bring life, culture, art, events and live music to the town and it’ll be anchored by a 17,000 sq ft food hall.
“The food hall will operate from the beautifully restored, Grade II-listed Queensgate Market building. We’re actively engaging with the food hall sector to find the right operator for the space. Our team have worked on the successful delivery of a number of food halls across the UK including Sheffield, Liverpool and London. The truly unique food hall space being brought forward in Huddersfield is really special and presents a great opportunity to define the character and future of Huddersfield town centre. Our focus is finding the right operator and the right concept to bring the space to life.”