Listed building back in use following refurbishment

AN architectural jewel close to Halifax town centre is back in the Calderdale crown following extensive refurbishment.

It is believed that the Royal British Legion's building at 4 Hopwood Lane, Halifax, was built in around 1837.

It was an annexe to the early 18h century Hopwood Hall and was probably built as offices for lawyer Edward Nelson Alexander.

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Many years later the Halifax Law Society took ownership, which lasted until the late 20th century, and the Royal British Legion was given the annexe in 1924. Both buildings are now listed Grade II.

The Mayor of Calderdale, Coun Ann McAllister, has reopened the building following completion of a full refurbishment.

The work was funded by the Royal British Legion and through a Heritage Lottery Fund grant of over 120,000, administered through Calderdale Council's Halifax Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) grant scheme.

The THI scheme provides grant funding to improve identified areas in Halifax town centre. It has also funded the rebuilding of the North wing of the former grade II* Hope Hall, relaying the flags in the grounds of Halifax Minster, and works to Causey Hall, a former school building opposite the Minster.

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The refurbishment has altered the internal layout of the building, providing a hall suitable for functions and meetings, and an information technology suite for former service personnel to use.

It now has good disabled access at the front and rear, and the historic elements of the building have been significantly improved or reinstated.

Calderdale Council's townscape heritage initiative officer, Sue Oakley, said the council had worked closely with the Royal British Legion. She added: "Despite a number of setbacks including the discovery of a horse skeleton under the floor, the harsh winter, and the theft of railing panels, this has been a highly successful scheme."