Kirklees Council invites residents to celebrate opening of new Huddersfield Library Hub and Queensgate Square with week of free activities

Kirklees Council is inviting residents to celebrate the opening of the new Library Hub and Queensgate Square, the first completed spaces in the once-in-a-generation Our Cultural Heart regeneration programme, with a week of free activities.

The new Library Hub will officially open on Monday 21 September, welcoming visitors into a modern, vibrant space for reading, learning, creativity and community. Together with Queensgate Square, it marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the transformation of Huddersfield town centre.   Throughout the opening week, residents can explore the new facilities, discover the wide range of services on offer and take part in a programme of free activities. The celebrations will culminate in a special opening weekend on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September, when both the Library Hub and Queensgate Square will come alive with entertainment, creativity and family-friendly fun.   On Saturday, visitors to the Library Hub can enjoy activities including Lego Club, Chess Club, Knit and Natter, a family Library Adventures Trail and demonstrations in the Makerspace, offering a chance to discover everything the new library has to offer.   Across both Saturday and Sunday, Queensgate Square will host live music, arts and crafts, interactive workshops, community art activities, traditional games and a range of food and drink vendors, bringing the new public square to life with a weekend celebration for all ages.   Councillor Pip Harvey, Cabinet Member for Place, Volunteering and Culture, said:   “I’m absolutely delighted to be part of such an important moment for Huddersfield. The opening of the new Library Hub marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for our town, and I can’t wait for people to come and experience it for themselves.   “Huddersfield, like many towns, has seen parts of its town centre change and, in some areas, deteriorate over time. That is exactly why regeneration on this scale is so important. We have a real opportunity now to restore pride in our town centre and ensure it is a place people feel connected to and proud of once again.   “The Library Hub offers something for everyone, whether that’s borrowing a book, learning a new skill, getting creative, meeting friends or simply enjoying a welcoming community space. I would encourage everyone to visit during opening week, meet the team, and explore what’s on offer.   “Over the opening weekend, I hope people will join us in Queensgate Square to celebrate with free activities, live entertainment, and family-friendly events. It’s a great opportunity to come together and mark this significant milestone.   “This is just the start. With the Food Hall opening next year and continued work on the Museum and Art Gallery, Our Cultural Heart is creating a vibrant destination that will bring new life to the town centre and offer even more reasons to spend time in Huddersfield. I look forward to seeing the next chapter unfold.”   The Library Hub will open from 9.30am on Saturday 26 September, with activities taking place throughout the day. Live music and entertainment in Queensgate Square will run from 12 noon until 5pm, with the celebrations continuing on Sunday 27 September with another full day of free family entertainment.   All activities are free to attend, with no booking required unless otherwise stated. Residents are encouraged to drop in throughout the week or join the opening weekend celebrations to experience the new Library Hub and Queensgate Square for themselves.   The full programme of events, including timings and any booking information, will be shared on Kirklees Council’s social media channels.