Willmott Dixon has been appointed by Kirklees Council to deliver the transformation of Huddersfield Open Market, a Grade II* listed Market Hall originally built 139 years ago. The £16.5m redevelopment includes £14.9m of construction works starting this month, with completion expected by Spring 2028.
Heritage-led regeneration plans
The scheme is designed to honour, restore and future-proof the market's history. It includes a new hospitality offering with a cafe, hot food units, a mezzanine seating area and a bar. Externally, timber and cast iron frames will be repaired, the building will be fully repainted, and new curtain walling will replace existing roller shutters.
The adjoining annex building will undergo internal demolition, with new offices for the market team and new public restroom facilities. Essential repairs will reinstate the building's original colour scheme of traditional reds, pinks and creams.
Accessibility and trader support
New automated entrances, accessible toilets, changing places and shower rooms will improve accessibility. The council said the new market will support a vibrant calendar of events, aiming to operate six days a week, with increased footfall supporting existing traders and attracting new ones. A temporary market structure has been created adjacent to the site to accommodate traders during works.
Chris Yates, Yorkshire director for Willmott Dixon, said: “We’re delighted to be working in partnership with Kirklees Council to deliver a transformation of the historic Huddersfield Market. This is an important project for Huddersfield, creating a refreshed market while paying tribute to its proud heritage to allow the Market Hall to continue supporting the town centre and local traders for many years to come.”
Wider town centre impact
Cllr John Hardie, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Highways and Transport, said: “Regenerating the historic market hall to secure its future, protect its heritage and build on the existing market offer Huddersfield has, is moving to its next exciting stage.” He added that the temporary market remains open as normal and that the scheme is a key part of revitalising the town centre.
Willmott Dixon is also working on other town centre regeneration projects, including restoring the 90-year-old Capitol Theatre in West Sussex and repurposing the £40m Princes Exchange in Leeds into a rail industry hub. It recently completed The Seam Digital Campus in Barnsley and handed over the new Kirklees District HQ in Dewsbury.
