Square Chapel Arts Centre: Better news might soon be on the horizon
Some better news might soon be on the horizon for campaigners aiming to get a much-loved arts centre re-opened.
The Save Square Chapel Campaign have been campaigning to get Square Chapel Arts Centre in Halifax re-opened since its sudden closure a year ago.
Thousands of people have signed an online petition calling for this, and they have lobbied key organisations and their council to work to get it open again.
On Saturday (February 28, 5.30pm), they are set to hold a lantern procession from the old Wilko store opposite Halifax Borough Market in the town centre to Square Chapel to raise awareness further of its plight.
This week Square Chapel Community Interest Company (CIC), which operated the centre, indicated good news might be on the way.
They told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “The directors of Square Chapel have been working hard behind the scenes to secure the future of the venue as an arts centre for the community of Calderdale, and hope to have a positive announcement over the coming weeks that will see this become a reality.”
Save Square Chapel Campaign member Adam Hargreaves, who used to volunteer there with his husband several times a week, said the venue was “such a vibrant place for the community.”
Mr Hargreaves said its location was ideal – close to Halifax Rail Station, right next to the famous Piece Hall, a central location for Halifax.
Arts groups used to come there, it had a really good food and drink offer, great open space and a theatre also used for concerts, he said.
“It’s just a really nice place – there was lots going on there and it’s a big part of the community,” he said.
Campaign member, and councillor, Colin Hutchinson said Square Chapel was extremely important for the people of Halifax.
“There were many performers who cut their teeth on the stage here.
“Our campaign is supported by Equity, the Actors’ Union, and the Trades Council of Calderdale.
“In terms of exposing younger people to the creative arts, which many of them have ended up working in, we need to make sure that it’s there for the upcoming generations,” he said.
A spokesperson for Arts Council England , which holds a legal charge on the building, said: “We are committed to working with Calderdale Council and other local partners to ensure that the Square Chapel building is used as an arts centre.”
Councillor Danielle Durrans, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet member for Public Services and Communities, said: “Halifax’s arts centre, Square Chapel, has been a popular venue and has played a valuable part in showcasing local talent.
“This is not a council-owned building, but a number of groups and organisations have been in contact with us expressing interest in running the venue.
“We recognise the importance of the Square Chapel to our residents, are keen to see the building brought back into use as an arts centre for the borough, and are in ongoing dialogue with the Arts Council to explore all possibilities for the future of the venue.”
Square Chapel Arts Centre closed suddenly in February 2025 with all scheduled performances cancelled, following which Arts Council England pulled its funding for the theatre.