18 February 2025 —
A group of Year 10 students from Batley Girls’ High School recently visited the Our Cultural Heart site in Huddersfield to explore career opportunities in engineering.
On 6 February, the students were given an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the major town centre regeneration scheme – led by Kirklees Council. Construction on Phase One began last year and is expected to complete in early 2026. This phase will transform the former Queensgate Market building into a vibrant food hall and a modern community library.
The visit, hosted by contractor BAM and engineers from Arup, provided students with valuable insights into the live construction process. They learned about career pathways in construction, with a special focus on breaking down gender stereotypes in the sector. After a presentation from BAM engineers, students toured the site, visiting the old market building and discovering the unique challenges and designs involved in the project.
The day culminated in a hands-on activity where students recreated the intricate roof design of Queensgate Market. Using card, wool, and cellotape, they constructed a model of the roof and supporting columns, gaining practical experience in engineering and design.
The visit aligned with the wider social value and economic goals of the Our Cultural Heart project, which aims to create an inclusive destination that supports communities across Kirklees and drives economic growth.
Mrs. Amneet Mehat, Careers Achievement Mentor at Batley Girls’ High School, said: “The visit was really insightful. Our learners enjoyed the experience of visiting a current local project on site, and in particular, hearing first hand from female engineers.”