Huddersfield will soon see exciting changes happening when work on the long-awaited Kingsgate development starts in March.
Supported by Kirklees Council, developer WD Kingsgate will make major changes to the centre, bringing cinema and engaging leisure activities to the offering, alongside the existing shops.
Work to redevelop the 90,000 square foot, former House of Fraser store will begin in early March with a target opening date for the complex of September 2024.
The Kingsgate Centre is a key focus of Huddersfield’s town centre offer and is in a prime location next to the council’s planned Cultural Heart project. Therefore these complementary projects will transform the leisure offering in the town centre, improving the experience for residents and visitors alike.
The cinema and leisure proposition will be operated by The Light, who already operate 12 other venues across the country with another opening in Surrey this year. The Light will offer six state of the art cinema screens, ten bowling lanes, alongside a variety of other leisure activities and food offerings which will be revealed in the lead up to the opening.
Councillor Graham Turner, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: “We are committed to helping businesses thrive in Kirklees and I am delighted that the council has worked very closely with WD Kingsgate to help them to deliver this scheme.
“Kingsgate is a key destination within the town centre, and the redevelopment will complement the existing shops and become an important family-friendly leisure destination. The developer’s vision for the project is in line with our own Blueprint ambitions for the town centre and will help create the perfect mix of retail, culture and leisure.”
Peter Everest of WD Kingsgate added: “I am grateful for the council’s support in delivering this scheme. We are excited about bringing a high-quality cinema in to Huddersfield town centre alongside a variety of other food and leisure outlets.
“Our redeveloped centre will create a new destination within the town centre that gives the opportunity to shop, eat and see the latest films all within a stone’s throw of the other planned town centre developments.”
Keith Pullinger, founder of The Light, added: “We are thrilled to be opening in Huddersfield and offering the residents a great place to engage in fun activities and experience exceptional cinema. Our spaces are known and loved for offering somewhere to bring friends and family together, providing entertainment whatever the occasion.”
