In September 2009 Calderdale Council submitted an application to Heritage Lottery Fund for £7m funding towards a £16m project to transform the building, supported by the regional development agency Yorkshire Forward. By investing in the building, we intend to ensure the Piece Hall enjoys a thriving future as a major regional and national visitor attraction.
The project will create a new Town Square for Halifax, by creating a level area in the centre of the courtyard and replacing the uneven cobbled surfaces. It will bring about the conservation of the historic fabric through a sensitive approach to repair and renewal. It will re-vitalise the economy within the building with a varied mix of independent retailers, and an ‘enterprise zone’ to encourage start-up businesses in the creative and digital technology sectors. The building will open during the evenings, and will see the introduction of a bustling night-time economy with high quality restaurants and bars. Last but not least, the project will transform opportunities for enjoyment and understanding of the heritage of this unique building with the creation of new Interpretation and Learning Centres, which will offer contemporary solutions to the communication of information, as well as displaying key artefacts from the Calderdale Museums Service’s extensive collections.
On January 15th a Heritage Lottery Fund Trustees and Expert Panel delegation visited the Piece Hall, to inspect the building and listen to presentations by the project team led by the Leader of Calderdale Council Stephen Baines and Chief Executive Owen Williams. A decision about the application is expected towards the end of February …
