Deal paves way for town centre plaza plans

Broad Street Plaza – a 50m mixed-use development – will transform the centre of Halifax and generate more than 220 long-term jobs plus almost 200 jobs during construction.

Developer Gregory Projects (Halifax), part of Leeds-based Gregory Property Group, has confirmed that work will start within the next few weeks on the 277,000 sq ft scheme which is already 70-per cent pre-let.

Calderdale Council leader Stephen Baines said: "This is a major breakthrough for the people of Calderdale. As well as providing high-quality leisure facilities which people can enjoy on their doorstep, Broad Street Plaza will lead to the creation of hundreds of jobs, which is vital given the challenges that we face with the economy.

"It is a tribute to all those involved that despite these challenging times and the number of schemes nationally that have had to be shelved, we are able to see this scheme progressing."

Plans include two main blocks divided into a nine-screen cinema, 100-bed hotel, ten-pin bowling, shops and restaurants, outside eating plaza, as well as a 429 space multi-storey car park and 42,000 sq ft of office space.

The development will be completed over two phases. The first phase is due to be completed in late summer 2011.

Phase two, involving 42,000 sq ft of office space, will start once sufficient pre-lets have been secured.

Work will initially involve creating diversions and temporary car parking at Eureka, the children's museum. Building work starts in late spring.