Huddersfield Market

We already have lots of popular market days, including the second-hand market. We will also build on popular events already held at the market, such as Apna Bazaar, Kirklees Pride and St Patrick's Day.

At the moment, the market site is closed three days a week. Our aim is to open six days a week with later opening times to support events and bring more life into the town centre in the evening.

The new market is being designed with flexible spaces that can support different types of businesses.

This will mean the market has the capability to host an exciting and diverse mix of special market days and other events. The increased footfall will not only support our existing market sellers but also bring in new traders and visitors.

We are replacing the current market stalls, and the new layout will provide more space for our traders to showcase their products.

Inside the market hall, there will be over 87 pitches. This includes 12 larger permanent stalls with built-in services and storage, which means the traditional market can support butchers, fishmongers, deli, cheese, and fruit and veg sellers.

Outside in the Market Yard, there will be space for 52 demountable trader pitches. There will also be space for 8 on Brook Street and 28 on Byram Street. The new demountable stalls inside will be around 50% larger than current stalls. That means more space and more flexibility for traders.

A new entrance will give direct access from Byram Street into the stone annex building. The separate levels will be transformed into one and we're adding heating, all of which will create a larger, more pleasant space for people to socialise alongside enjoying the market itself.

Exploring our stalls and sellers will also be a more exciting and eclectic experience, with lots of different types of stalls, places to sit and enjoy the food and drink offering, and more exciting events taking place alongside regular market days.

We want the new market to be a place everyone can enjoy, regardless of accessibility needs or other requirements. The historic market building and its surrounding area are being remodelled to cater better to everyone, and to suit more modern-day shopping needs.

We are creating automated entrances to the market hall, upgrading the toilets by relocating them to a more convenient and safer place within the market and adding more WCs, wheelchair accessible toilets and changing places shower rooms.

Changes to the surrounding site which will give pedestrians priority during the market's trading hours, making it safer for people walking, cycling or wheeling to the market.

Cars and other vehicles will still be able to access the market via Lord Street, and we will still be managing waste collection and providing loading space for traders.

Blue badge parking, public parking and vehicle drop off will also be available.

We want to reduce the amount of energy the market takes to run.

Solar panels will be installed, and existing services will be replaced with new, low-energy alternatives like air source heat pumps and LED lighting. Thermal upgrades to the existing market building are taking place wherever possible.

We are also planting new trees around the market - which, as well as supporting the environment, will also help make this a pleasant and beautiful place to spend time.

As with all our blueprint plans, our priority is not just restoring and honouring our beautiful heritage buildings but future-proofing them - setting places like this up to thrive and be enjoyed for not just years but generations to come.

The current market was built in 1887, and is a Grade II* Listed building. Many people know and love its decorative cast iron frame, huge glass roof and outer walls, but this beautiful structure is currently in need of repair.

We're restoring the original paint colours, which were reds, pinks and creams - typical for Huddersfield at the time the market was built.

Or team incorporating a registered conservation architect and heritage consultant have worked closely with heritage bodies including Historic England Kirklees Council Conservation Team.

The current market is planned to close in summer 2026. At the same time, a temporary market will open and be located between the current market on Brook Street and the Tesco car park.

It will include up to 37 indoor stalls, 29 outdoor stalls next to the building, and up to 28 additional stalls on Byram Street, if needed. There will also be public and accessible toilets, a market office and essential facilities.

The project is fully funded by the UK Government. £16.5 million was secured through the Levelling Up Fund in November 2023. The funding must be spent by March 2028. Alongside this, we continue to invest in Huddersfield and other town centres across Kirklees to help them thrive.