Food and hospitality specialist JT & Crew has joined Kirklees Council’s Our Cultural Heart regeneration project to lead preparations for the opening of Huddersfield’s new Food Hall in 2027.
The Food Hall forms part of the first phase of Our Cultural Heart alongside the new Library Hub and Queensgate Square.
With construction of the Food Hall space completed, JT & Crew will now work with Kirklees Council to develop the venue into a fully operational food and drink destination.
A significant part of the work will involve recruiting a mix of independent food businesses from across the region, ranging from established operators to new and growing concepts.
The aim is to create a varied trader line-up offering different cuisines and dining options while providing opportunities for independent businesses.
JT & Crew will also oversee areas including design and fit-out, team recruitment, trader support, food safety, compliance and the operational preparations required ahead of opening.
Councillor John Hardie, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Highways and Transport, said: “The Food Hall represents a significant investment in Huddersfield town centre and our focus now is on making sure we get the next stage right.
“That means creating an offer that works for Huddersfield, attracting the right mix of traders and putting the Food Hall on a strong and sustainable footing for the future.
“There is a lot of work involved in getting a venue like this ready to open and run successfully. Bringing JT & Crew’s specialist experience into the project will help us make informed decisions as we move through that process, from finding and supporting traders to getting the operational details right.
“We’ll be sharing more over the coming months and, importantly, we’ll soon be opening up opportunities for food and drink businesses interested in being part of the Food Hall.”
JT & Crew’s involvement will continue for two years following the venue’s opening.
During that period, the company will work alongside the Food Hall’s management team to develop the skills, systems and operational knowledge required to run and grow the venue.
Support for traders will include assistance with moving into the Food Hall, menu development, training and ongoing business support.
Jeremy Taylor, Director at JT & Crew, said: “We at JT & Crew are absolutely delighted to be supporting Kirklees Council on such a pivotal element of the Our Cultural Heart regeneration project.
“This landmark initiative for Huddersfield represents a significant investment in the town’s cultural and economic future, and we are proud to contribute our experience, energy, and commitment to ensuring the food hall becomes a vibrant, community-anchored success.
“It is truly a privilege to help shape a project that will bring new life, opportunity, and pride to the town centre.”
The new Library Hub will become the first part of Our Cultural Heart to open on Monday 21 September, alongside Queensgate Square.
Further details on the Food Hall, including its new identity and the process for prospective food and drink traders to express an interest, will be announced ahead of its planned 2027 opening.
Associated Articles
NoriFish and Okiboru to Open at Atlanta’s Ponce City Market
Provides the strongest recent food hall comparison, with two independent Japanese dining concepts joining Ponce City Market’s Central Food Hall, which now brings together more than 25 food businesses representing cuisines from around the world.
Freight Island Takes Hospitality Model to Reading Festival
Adds relevant multi-operator hospitality and operational context, with Freight Island bringing several individual food concepts together within a large-scale hospitality environment while drawing on expertise developed across its permanent venues.
Experience Hospitality Service Robotics Live in Action at Robot Week
Hospitality and catering operators can explore emerging service technology at Robot Week in London, with live demonstrations covering food and drink service, cooking, coffee, cleaning and back-of-house applications on 9 and 10 September.
Experience hospitality service robotics live in action at Robot Week
Registration is free and places are available in hourly slots.
Register for Robot Week
