1,000 responses in a week to vision for landmark’s future

The display, showing drawings of how the Piece Hall could look in the future, was unveiled earlier this month and in its first week, more than 1,000 people have told Calderdale Council about the improvements they would most like to see.

Comments have not been made public at this stage as the consultation is still on going.

The authority is bidding to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) in March 2012, to secure a £6.7m grant to repair and restore the fabric of the building, including major renovations to the stonework and develop the courtyard to provide a new town square for Halifax and a flexible space to hold a programme of events.

If the bid is successful, work will be completed in 2015.

Coun Pauline Nash, the council’s cabinet member for safer and stronger communities, said: “This is a magnificent response and demonstrates just how much residents and visitors to Calderdale care about this iconic building.

“These are really exciting plans and I know that many more people will be taking the opportunity to tell us about their ideas.”

The drawings are on display, in units next to the Piece Hall Visitor Centre, and show the vision for the Piece Hall’s future.

They will be on display next to the Piece Hall Visitor Centre and Art Gallery, and at a range of other council buildings, until Friday, October 7.

People can also give their views on the council’s website: www.calderdale.gov.uk