Strong Recovery Sees 357k Surplus for Piece Hall
A successful year of dynamic world class culture, progressive trade, enriching community events and countless opportunities to learn and develop has seen a significant turnaround in The Piece Hall’s financial performance.
The charitable trust which runs the unique heritage site, preserving it for future generations, has reported a surplus of just under £357,000 for the latest financial year October 2024 – September 2025.
Fully audited accounts for this period will be available on Companies House in the coming days, but ahead of their release The Piece Hall has published its Annual Review which includes the new financial results.
This is a substantial turnaround from the previous accounting period when losses of circa £700,000 were reported and reflects the success of the steps taken by the Trust to strengthen financial stability and improve performance.
Chair of The Piece Hall Trust Orphy Robinson MBE said:
“As well as all the amazing public and community events and activities, we’ve seen a huge amount of progress behind the scenes since October 2024. Thanks to the skill and dedication of our CEO Nicky Chance-Thompson and her staff team, the Trustees, volunteers, and tenants, we achieved a successful financial turnaround.
“This stability gives us room to breathe, to plan with confidence, and to dream bigger again and we’re moving forward with renewed energy, pride, and possibility.
“During my first year as Chair I have witnessed first-hand the sheer passion that surrounds this extraordinary place, which we will continue to breathe life into for the benefit of everyone in Calderdale.”
The financial period covered in this review saw almost 200,000 people attend the biggest Live at The Piece Hall series to date, footfall since reopening surpass 19 million, VE day celebrations, tractor and car rallies, unique art exhibitions, more markets, the expansion of The Piece Hall Academy, an increase in family trails and crafts, community and charity events plus multiple award wins including The Northern Music Awards’ Inspirational Venue of the Year gong.
CEO of The Piece Hall Trust, Nicky Chance-Thompson MBE DL FRSA said:
“The period since our last accounts were posted has seen intense hard work which has yielded results. We have been decisive, focused and dug in and I’m incredibly proud to say we have turned the organisation from losses, caused by unprecedented economic conditions, to a surplus of £356,700 in the space of a year.
“Our job is to preserve and promote this unique asset which we are so lucky to have in Calderdale while continuing to drive regeneration, and we are doing just that.
“The combination of world class arts and music events, a thriving tenant community and increasing opportunities for learning, growth and participation via The Piece Hall Academy, helps bring a positive economic impact of around £90 million to the region every year.
“Add to that our invaluable social impact and The Piece Hall is a without question an investment of exceptional value for the borough.
“While this is welcome news, we must stress that in the current financial climate, and under current heritage funding models The Piece Hall will continue to face challenges.”
A recent report showed that The Piece Hall has boosted the economy by a huge £680 million in the last decade.
The economic impact assessment undertaken by leading professional services providers for the heritage and cultural sectors ‘Counterculture’, looked at the local, regional and national benefits brought by The Piece Hall.
Their calculations also projected an ongoing boost of around £90m per year into the region. That’s equivalent to an annual economic benefit of £426 for every resident of Calderdale.
The Piece Hall is currently hosting a record-breaking season of live music which sees 42 shows featuring global artists, with ticket sales of over 215,000. TK Maxx presents Live at The Piece Hall provides a recognised boost to the local economy with pubs, bars restaurants, hotels and taxi firms benefitting significantly from the increased footfall.
Read the latest annual review including testimonials from The National Lottery Heritage fund, The Heritage Alliance, Calderdale Council and Woolshops, here.
For further information please contact alice.bailey@thepiecehall.co.uk
A selection of images of The Piece Hall over the years can be found here.
ABOUT THE PIECE HALL:
Run by The Piece Hall Charitable Trust, this grade 1 listed building is the only remaining Georgian cloth hall in the world and welcomes around three million visitors a year.
First opened in 1779 for the trading of ‘pieces’ of hand-woven woollen fabric produced as part of Yorkshire’s thriving ‘cottage industry’, this stunning heritage site is now a multi-award-winning, free to enter, contemporary leisure, retail, and arts destination with a treasure trove of high-quality independent shops, bars, cafés, and restaurants.
Its 66,000sq ft open air courtyard, on a par with the great piazzas of Europe, plays host to a year-round programme of world class live music, including its flagship summer series ‘TK Maxx presents Live at The Piece Hall’, major cultural events and community festivals, alongside food, drink and craft markets.
Latest Awards List:
Back Stage Brilliance Award – The Live Awards 2025
Event of the Year – Yorkshire Post Tourism Awards
Inspirational Venue – Northern Music Awards
Muddy Stilettoes 2025 – Best Arts, Culture and Theatre