£12m in store to keep jobs in Halifax centre

Calderdale Council’s pledge to remain in the town centre will come as welcome news to hard- pressed retailers, many of who rely on the money that council staff spend with them. Around 1,000 will be affected by the new arrangements.

The news comes as it was revealed that Halifax has dropped in the national retail rankings from 174th to 204th between 2004 and 2008.

The scheme will also secure the refurbishment and retention of the important listed Princess Buildings and will generate net savings of more than £7.5m over the next 25 years. On Monday Calderdale’s Cabinet is expected to approve the proposals, which will need the full council’s rubber stamp.

Under the plans, Westgate House and Princess Buildings, in the heart of the town centre, would be retained and refurbished, together with Mulcture House.

The council has already decided to create new Customer First facilities in Broad Street Plaza, where customers will be able to get access to the full range of council services. Over a period of time, the council would move out of Northgate House, Dean Clough, Horton House, Hoover Building, Park Road and the Elsie Whiteley Centre.

Council leader Coun Tim Swift said: “These plans represent a win-win for Halifax. By keeping jobs in the town centre, they represent an important boost for local businesses and the local economy.

“They enable us to invest in and retain Princess Buildings, an important local listed building which will be transformed to ensure it has a sustainable future. And the plan will produce significant savings for the council which is critical in these tough times.”

Deputy leader Coun Janet Battye added: “What we are planning is that the council’s office buildings will continue to be in Halifax town centre and this will mean that it is easy for local people to contact the council and that the council continues to be at the heart of the town centre. The £12m investment will be met through savings on buildings running and maintenance costs.”

The new arrangements will enable:

Savings forecast at £7.6m over a 25 year period, with further savings of £1.2m each year after that

Better ways of working together in accommodation based on three buildings in the town centre to the benefit of local residents and businesses

Restoration of Princess Buildings, making the best use of an important historic building in the centre of Halifax

A mixture of freehold and leasehold premises, providing the flexibility to adapt to the council’s accommodation needs in the future.

The retention of a significant number of council staff in the town centre, benefiting the local economy.

Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Head of Policy and Representation, Steven Leigh, said: “The idea of ensuring that council office staff remain located in Halifax town centre is encouraging.

“It is good to see that in spite of the difficult economic climate, positive measures are being taken to develop Halifax town centre and make it an attractive place to visit for leisure, business and shopping.

“The new £50m Broad Street Plaza could be the start of developments in the town which will make it a destination for visitors from a much wider catchment area, and the additional economic activity this brings will be highly beneficial for Halifax and wider Calderdale.

“As part of the ambition it is encouraging to see that Calderdale is paying close attention to the location of offices for staff and trying to keep them in the centre of town so that local businesses and retail outlets can continue to benefit from their spending power.”