Begun in 1937 and opened in 1940, the Library and Art Gallery was built in the 'stripped classical style' of the period, incorporating many of the elements of classical architecture stripped down to their most basic form and enlivened with bold detail. 

 

The Queensgate Market Hall was opened in 1970 and features a stunning roof structure based on 21 asymmetric paraboloid shells designed to allow maximum light into the market.  From the outside, roof sections of differing heights cantilever or appear to fly above the structure.  The external east wall of the building is further enhanced by the incorporation of abstract art in relief created by a distinctive émigré sculptor.

 

Heritage Minister Andrew McIntosh said:

 

"The Huddersfield Library and Art Gallery is a first-rate example of classical architecture interpreted in a modernist way.  It is an exemplar of the period with fine original features surviving both inside and out.

 

"The Queensgate market is a dynamic, imaginative structure combining high quality engineering with architecturally outstanding details.  The most remarkable feature of this innovative building is its striking roof."

 

Since 1995 the Government has publicly consulted on most plans to list post-war structures.  Local people and interest groups now have the chance to tell the Minister whether they believe that the Queensgate Market merits the extra protection that listing provides.  Consultation is not sought in respect of the inter-war Library and Art Gallery, however a final decision on this building will not be taken until the outcome of the public consultation on Queensgate Market is clear.

 

The preliminary decision to list the structures was taken on the advice of English Heritage and CABE (in the case of Queensgate Market).  When assessing a building for listing, the only factor which our statutory advisers and the Secretary of State can take into account is whether it possesses special architectural or historic interest.  The structure's state of repair (unless it has harmed the architectural or historic interest), or any planning proposals are not relevant to the assessment of a building's qualification for listing.

 

 

1. The main purpose of listing a building is to ensure that care will be taken over decisions affecting its future, that any alterations respect the particular character and interest of the building, and that the case for its preservation is taken fully into account in considering the merits of any redevelopment proposals.

 

2. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (then known as the Department of National Heritage) announced in March 1995 that there would be public consultation on recommendations for listing arising from English Heritage's thematic studies of post-war and other building types. In August 1995 the Department announced that the consultation procedure would be extended to proposals to spot-list individual post-war buildings. However, the Secretary of State may take action to list a building at any time on the basis of information before her if she considers it to be under threat of alteration or demolition. 

 

3. Further details of English Heritage's recommendations can be obtained from Historic Environment Designation Branch, Department for Culture, Media and Sport, 2-4 Cockspur Street, London SW1Y 5DH.

 

 

The library and art gallery building is in  'stripped classical' style, incorporating many elements of classical architecture interpreted in a modernist way.  It is a fine example of its type with most of its original features surviving intact both inside and out. The exterior style is consistent throughout, forming a strong statement in its setting.  The two statues at the front of the building show both classical and modern influences.  The interior is of equally fine quality with the room layout little altered from its original pattern.  The coffered ceiling in the entrance hall, with its original Art Deco style light-fittings, is particularly striking. The building represents a well-executed and well-preserved example of early twentieth century civic architecture.

 

In the opinion of English Heritage the Queensgate Market is the best surviving example of a retail market from the 1960's and 70's , a key exemplar of a building type that is currently under particular threat.  Its imaginative structure combines light-weight concrete technology with innovations in patent glazing to produce a dramatic space full of natural lighting.  The striking roof structure is made of 21 deliberately asymmetric hyperbolic paraboloid shells, each supported by a single free-standing column of differing heights. The exterior of the building makes aesthetically pleasing use of natural stone with exposed concrete and nine relief panels all individually sculpted by the artist Fritz Steller.