Roofing specialist Ploughcroft wins Halifax Piece Hall contract

The Grade I-listed building, which originally opened in 1779 and has recently been home to specialist shops, an art gallery and the town’s Tourist Information Centre, is currently undergoing conservation and repair works.

Ploughcroft is one of a handful of construction companies in the region qualified to regenerate protected buildings.

The Halifax-based firm will restore the roof of Piece Hall to its original state using modern techniques and equipment.

As part of this, more than 10,000 stone slates will be checked for soundness and weatherproofing.

Piece Hall will also have a three-storey extension added as part of the project, connecting the Square Church spire site and Square Chapel.

Once completed, the Hall will feature a Heritage Interpretation Centre, where visitors can learn about the history of the building, as well as independent shops, cafés and a newly-landscaped courtyard to be used for events, concerts and festivals.

Chris Hopkins, managing director at Ploughcroft, said the firm is delighted to be working on a well-known, historic local landmark.

He said: “The project was the opportunity to combine our two passions; heritage work, and eco roofing.

“The building plays such an important role in our community today and thanks to the regeneration project, hopefully it will attract more people to the area and offer more things to do and see.”

The 12-month contract has allowed Ploughcroft to offer an apprenticeship scheme in heritage slating and lead work, in addition to the four apprentices recently hired by the business.

Oliver Stock, who joined as an apprentice six months ago, added: “I’m looking forward to getting stuck in and learning all about the specialist area of heritage slating and lead work.”