Plans for historic building to be given public showcase

Expert guides from Calderdale Heritage Walks will be outlining the site’s history as they conduct free guided tours around the Grade 1 listed building.

The tours will culminate with an opportunity to glimpse Piece Hall’s future from Saturday, September 9, with a display at the Piece Hall Visitor Centre, setting out Calderdale Council’s plans for its development.

Calderdale Council is bidding to the Heritage Lottery Fund in March 2012, to secure a grant of £6.7m to:

Repair and restore the fabric of the building, including major renovations to the stonework;

Develop the courtyard to provide a new town square for Halifax and a flexible place in which to hold a programme of events;

Improve the appearance of the existing units so they and new businesses can thrive;

Open a new heritage centre, so people can learn about the history of the Piece Hall, and the people who have played a part in its life across the years.

If the bid is successful, the development work is expected to be complete in 2015.

Calderdale Council’s cabinet member for safer and stronger communities, Coun Pauline Nash, said: “The architect’s new drawings show the true potential of the Piece Hall. I do hope people take this opportunity to come along, see the plans and tell us what they think.

“The funding bid will only be successful if local people, families and businesses get behind it, and show that the Piece Hall’s future is every bit as important as its past.”

The drawings will be on display in the Piece Hall Visitor Centre and Art Gallery, and at a range of other council buildings, from Saturday, September 9, until Friday, October 7.

People wishing to book a place on one of the free Heritage Open Day tours are being urged to call the Piece Hall Visitor Centre on 01422 354264.

Tours will be staged on Saturday, September 10, at 11.45am and 1.45pm, and then on Sunday, September 11, at 11.45am and 1.45pm.

Visitors have been warned that booking is essential.