Kirklees Council is urging people not to miss having their say on how we should display Huddersfield’s remarkable stories of past and present in the future. 

You have until Monday 7 December 2020 to complete the survey online: www.kirklees.gov.uk/mandg

If anyone is struggling to take part online, they can also request a copy of the survey by post, or in large print, braille or audio versions by calling 01484 223210.

A new museum and gallery will be a major part of the town’s regeneration, as set out in the Huddersfield Blueprint published last year. This new museum offer will be in addition to and complement the recently announced plans for a National Rugby League Museum in the George Hotel.

The new museum and gallery’s exact location is yet to be decided but it will be part of the town’s Cultural Heart area.

In order to start planning, the council is inviting everyone to share their views on what would encourage them to visit. The council would like to hear from regular museum visitors and people who have never been to a local museum before.  The survey is part of a wider public engagement programme being carried out by the council’s Museums and Galleries team, working with specialist museum consultants.

This public engagement is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund’s Resilient Heritage programme and is part of the Bringing out the Best project, which is developing long-term strategic plans for heritage across Kirklees, including Oakwell Hall, Bagshaw Museum and the existing Huddersfield Art Gallery and Tolson Museum.

Cllr Paul Davies, Cabinet Member for Culture said:

“It’s important that we understand what would make people visit out museums in the future, this survey isn’t about locations it’s about experiences; museums tell the story of us through both every day and more unusual objects. They provide a unique insight into how much towns and communities like ours have changed over time.  Successful museums offer the best visitor experience and that is why we need to know what would make you want to visit a museum on a regular basis.

The survey is being carried out as part of a National Lottery Heritage Fund project to support the development of a holistic strategy for heritage across Kirklees.

David Renwick, Director, England, North at the National Lottery Heritage Fund said:

“Here at The National Lottery Heritage Fund we understand the importance of listening to communities to find out what heritage means to them and how it should best be reflected in our museums, collections and other heritage activities. We’re really pleased to support Kirklees Council’s ‘Bringing Out the Best’ project and ensuring it does just that for the people of Huddersfield. It’s fantastic news that these public surveys will ensure that Huddersfield’s rich heritage can play its rightful part in the town’s place making renaissance, and we’re proud to be investing in that too.” 

The questions being asked cover the following themes: 

  •         What would encourage you to visit a new museum and gallery?
  •         What stories from our history, heritage and culture should be told? 
  •         What facilities would make it a fantastic place to visit? 
  •         What is special about Huddersfield and how can we show the world who we are?

 You can fill in the online survey here at www.kirklees.gov.uk/mandg 

If you’d like a survey sent to you by post, or require large print, braille or audio versions, phone 01484 223210.