Kirklees Council has chosen Dutch construction company BAM as the lead contractor for phase one of its flagship 'Our Cultural Heart' regeneration project in Huddersfield, UK.

Under the project, the former Queensgate Market and Huddersfield Library buildings will be renovated to further accommodate a food hall, as well as a museum with an affiliated gallery, respectively.

These will be located next to a new community-focused library and live entertainment venue along with a car park with a capacity of 350 cars.

The first phase of the works will focus on the major overhaul of the historic Queensgate Market site.

Survey and preparation works will take place this year. The main construction works are expected to commence in 2024, with phase one expected to be finalised in late 2025.

BAM Cultural Heart project director Paul Cleminson said: “This is an exciting scheme for Huddersfield and its wider regeneration. As a resident of Kirklees, I hope that this will be another vital piece of the plan, to attract people back to the town centre.

“The chance to build something special for the town brings with it an obligation, as a responsible business, to use this opportunity to add value to the local economy and community.

“For BAM it will allow us to build on the work we are doing at Huddersfield Station and the new Daphne Steele Building for the [Huddersfield] University, where we are working to leave a positive community legacy, as well as delivering outstanding new buildings and infrastructure.”

In February this year, BAM was named the principal supply chain partner by the Royal Cornwall Hospitals National Health Service Trust, for the £290m Women and Children’s Hospital project in Truro, UK.