The move into a new purpose-built archive facility marks a significant step in preserving the borough’s rich heritage and ensuring wider access to over 20,000 boxes of historic records, dating back to the 12th century.
To facilitate the move and ensure safe transfer of its extensive collections, the current WYAS Kirklees office, located on Victoria Lane, will close at the end of July 2025. Specialist staff will then work to package, label and barcode all of Kirklees’ irreplaceable archives, so they are ready to move into their new home. The relocation forms part of Phase One of Our Cultural Heart – Kirklees Council’s ambitious town centre regeneration scheme, which is transforming the site of the former Queensgate Market into a vibrant new food hall, library hub and public square.
Phase One of the regeneration is expected to reach practical completion by spring 2026, with a full public opening of the food hall and library hub in summer 2026.
While the food hall will be located within the Listed market building itself, the library hub is to be housed within an adjoining modern extension. Designed with multi-functionality and community in mind, the state-of-the-art space will include group meeting rooms, quiet breakout areas, a dedicated children’s area, maker-space, digital access points and, now, a WYAS ‘history hub’.
The new archive facility will be environmentally controlled to better preserve Kirklees’ unique archival collections, while enhanced public research areas will make it quicker and easier for residents, students and researchers to access the records.
Councillor Graham Turner, Cabinet Member for Finance and Regeneration, said:
“The relocation of the Huddersfield branch of the West Yorkshire Archive Service to Our Cultural Heart is a great way to connect Kirklees’ past and future. These archives tell the story of the region and deserve to be preserved and celebrated in the best possible setting, right in the heart of Huddersfield town centre.
“We’re really excited about the new library hub – it’s far more than just access to books. With vibrant, welcoming spaces for children and families to spend time, areas for meetings and collaboration, quiet zones for working, opportunities to explore local history, and fun creative spaces, it will reflect what residents want from a modern library.
“Together, the new archive and library hub, alongside the food hall and adjoining public square, will form a cultural and social centre that gives people more reasons to visit Huddersfield town centre and spend more time here – ultimately helping to support our local businesses too.”
Councillor Ahmed Munir, member of the West Yorkshire Joint Services Committee, added:
“We are absolutely delighted to be moving Kirklees’ remarkable archive collections into the new, state-of-the-art facility at Our Cultural Heart. These archives hold over 800 years of stories about the people and communities of Kirklees, and this move will help us preserve and celebrate them like never before. With purpose-built storage and new research and exhibition spaces, we’re excited to make our history more accessible and welcoming for everyone.
“Our team are already busy preparing the collections for the big move and we cannot wait to welcome everyone to the new home for Kirklees’ archives next year.”
Phase Two of the Our Cultural Heart masterplan, which has now received full planning approval, will see the former library and gallery building on Princess Alexandra Walk sensitively refurbished to house a major museum and art gallery for the region. Work on this phase will begin following the completion of Phase One.
