Kirklees Council has announced that the West Yorkshire Archive Service (WYAS) will be moving into a new, purpose-built home within Huddersfield’s flagship library hub, part of the Our Cultural Heart regeneration scheme.
The move marks a major milestone in the preservation and accessibility of the borough’s historical records, with the new archive facility set to house more than 20,000 boxes of documents dating back to the 12th century.
To prepare for the transition, the current WYAS Kirklees office on Victoria Lane will close at the end of July 2025. Following the closure, specialist staff will begin the process of packaging, labelling, and barcoding the archives to ensure their safe relocation.
The archive’s new home will form part of Phase One of the £210 million regeneration project, which is transforming the former Queensgate Market site into a vibrant cultural and social destination. The development will include a new food hall, library hub, and public square, with practical completion anticipated by spring 2026 and a full public opening expected in summer 2026.
While the food hall will occupy the refurbished listed market building, the library hub will be located in a modern adjoining extension. Designed to serve a wide range of community needs, the new library hub will include group meeting rooms, quiet breakout areas, a children’s zone, a maker space, digital access points, and now a dedicated WYAS ‘history hub’.
The new archive facility will be environmentally controlled to ensure the long-term preservation of the borough’s irreplaceable collections. The improved layout and public research areas are also expected to significantly enhance access for residents, researchers, and students alike.
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.”
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