ABOUT US
Our journey, vision, and commitment to the Huddersfield community.
Our journey, vision, and commitment to the Huddersfield community.
Our journey has been long, challenging, and ultimately reaffirming. As a group, our determination to return the HUDAWI Cultural Centre to the community never wavered. Interestingly, many are unaware that HUDAWI stands for Huddersfield African West Indian – a name chosen to foster belonging and unity.
From its beginnings as the Huddersfield Caribbean Self Aid Scheme in the late 1970s, the centre has evolved, becoming integral to Huddersfield’s civic, social, and cultural life. As the centre transitions back to community ownership, its significance will only grow.
“In this bright future we can't forget our past.” — Bob Marley
This guiding thought encapsulates the mission of the HUDAWI Cultural Centre. Embracing and remembering our heritage is not only a source of pride, but also a beacon that lights our shared path forwards.
The stories, traditions, and memories held within these walls form the bedrock on which we build, shaping decisions for generations yet to come.
We are dedicated to transforming the building into a modern, sustainable, and technologically advanced space, suitable for the 21st century. Every decision will be rooted in the principles of openness, transparency, and engagement.
By collaborating with partners and membership groups in the area, we aim to energise our community and foster a sense of pride in the centre’s ongoing story.
Currently, the building remains under the ownership of Kirklees Council. The HUDAWI Consortium, acting on behalf of the community, will not assume full control until all legal and contractual obligations have been satisfied.
Kirklees Council will stop taking room bookings from 31 December 2025. As a consortium, we are keen to maintain as many of the existing internal and external bookings as possible. However, at this stage we have no direct control over this process.
It is anticipated that the full legal handover will be completed around the end of March 2026. In the meantime, we continue to plan carefully so that the transition is as smooth as possible for all who use and value the centre.
We extend our gratitude to the Council for their confidence in selecting us to lead the centre forwards. We had a vision, and the Council heard us.
