A revamped Huddersfield Market is one step closer, as Kirklees Council takes the next steps.
A full planning application has now been submitted for the regeneration of the historic market site at Northumberland Street, one of the key projects in the wider Huddersfield Blueprint. Kirklees Council says the plans promise to breathe new life into the building and its surroundings, creating a vibrant modern space to serve generations to come.
Built in 1887, Huddersfield Market, is a Grade II* listed building loved for its decorative cast-iron frame, striking glass roof, and historic character. The regeneration will include essential repairs and restoration, bringing back its original colour scheme of traditional reds, pinks, and creams.
The new market hall will feature a mix of fixed stalls for traditional market favourites such as fresh produce, butchers, fishmongers, delis, and cheese counters, as well as over 70 demountable stalls for market days, allowing flexible layouts and supporting a diverse calendar of events, from food festivals to community celebrations.
There will also be hot food vendors, a bar, and a dedicated seating area, to encourage those visiting to stay longer and enjoy the atmosphere. The building will open more days each week and for longer hours than the current arrangements, making it a true destination for shoppers and visitors.
Image: Kirklees Council.
The design places an emphasis on accessibility, with level thresholds, assisted door openers, accessible toilets (including a Changing Places facility), and increased flat indoor spaces for ease of movement. Outside, the new Market Yard will provide space for around 50 demountable stalls, with additional capacity for more on busy days creating an area for outdoor trading and events.
To minimise disruption, the council plans to create a temporary market on land between the current market on Brook Street and the Tesco car park. More details will be shared in the coming months. If approved, work on the new Huddersfield Market is expected to begin in spring 2026.
The council says that residents and traders helped to shape the scheme, most recently through public consultation in winter 2024. Taking this into account, the council has worked closely with Greig & Stephenson Architects to finalise the designs ahead of this application.
Councillor Graham Turner, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Finance said: “Our markets aim to be family friendly, safe spaces which offer unique and personal shopping experiences. We want them to be a place full of opportunities to test ideas, eat, learn, be entertained and most importantly create a space that facilitates economic growth and support traders.
“Collaborating with the architects, we have developed plans to restore and improve the market to future proof it for generations to come. Huddersfield has and always will be a market town, these improvements will allow the market to continue being a key place for the people of Huddersfield to visit, and a space where local businesses can thrive for many more years to come.”
