Meeting set to plot restoration of historic hall in £19m project

Although at present dingy and down at heel, the 18th Century building does boast major potential, with the hope among officers and councillors on the authority that once restored it will be filled with thriving businesses, including specialist retail units, cafes and restaurants.

Members of Calderdale Council’s cabinet will consider a report next Monday recommending that the council moves to the next stage of the project which will see the transformation of the unique building.

The report outlines the final proposals for the Piece Hall project, which is expected to cost £19m and require significant capital investment by the council and by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

Cabinet members will be asked to:

Endorse the vision for the Piece Hall. This vision is fundamental in driving the successful redevelopment of the Cultural Quarter of Halifax and sees it becoming a major catalyst in the economic regeneration of central Halifax and Calderdale, a spectacular heritage attraction and public space, and an exceptional retail and business development;

Approve the required funding for the scheme

Give approval for a bid, for £7m capital funding, to be submitted to the HLF in March, which together with the council’s funding will make the proposals a reality.

Agree to both the setting up of a Piece Hall Trust and to the transfer of the Piece Hall from the council to the Trust on a 125-year lease, once the work is complete;

Agree that the council continues with the existing level of revenue support to the Piece Hall.

The report says that a successful Piece Hall will be of huge benefit to Halifax as a town and to Calderdale as a borough, and may have wider regenerative effects in the region.

However, it is admitted that the hall has “struggled to find a true role almost from its earliest days. It was only used for its original purpose for 30 years”.

The author adds that “it has in recent decades suffered from insufficient capital investment.

“This has led to its gradual deterioration. As the building has deteriorated the numbers of people visiting it has dropped leading to a spiralling decline.”

The council hopes the Piece Hall’s success will be supported by, other developments in Halifax’s Cultural Quarter. These include the construction of the Orangebox young people’s centre (in progress, and scheduled for completion in 2012) and the construction of the new Square Chapel (Cornerstone) extension planned for 2013.

Calderdale’s leader, Coun Janet Battye, said: “We have been working hard for the last two years on our plans to develop the Piece Hall.

“It’s really exciting to see how the Piece Hall could look, ready for our bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund in March.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for Calderdale and I can’t wait to see the finished Piece Hall!

“The response from the public on the consultation shows how proud people are of this unique building.

“We’d love for everyone to get behind this project to create a wonderful town square with a chance to learn about the history and heritage of the building and its importance, wander round shops, have a coffee or meal in the cafes and restaurants, enjoy an event, or visit a creative business, that we can all enjoy for generations to come.”

A major public consultation in September/October of last year drew nearly 2,000 separate comments. Comments from the public included: “The Piece Hall is unique to Britain and is an outstanding piece of architecture”.