'Halifax has always been at the centre of our story' says Lloyds boss as iconic town centre building reopens after £116m investment
The biggest private employer in Calderdale has welcomed staff back to its Halifax town centre HQ after a multi-million pound revamp.
Lloyds Banking Group has reopened its Trinity Road office today, saying “Halifax has always been at the centre of our story”.
The landmark 317,000 square foot building has undergone an £116m refurbishment and will see 3,500 Lloyds Banking Group workers using the site, including nearly 100 students undertaking apprenticeships, graduate placements and T-level qualifications.
Sharon Doherty, chief people and places officer at the firm, said: “Halifax has always been at the centre of our story, and this investment in Trinity Road is a testament to our commitment to Yorkshire, our colleagues, and the future of the region.
"We are proud to create a sustainable, inclusive, and inspiring workplace that honours our local heritage while supporting the next generation of Yorkshire talent.”
The iconic diamond-shaped building was officially opened by the late Queen in 1974 and has supported generations of local families and businesses.
Lloyds Banking Group said the refurbishment ensured that the original features, such as listed timber panelling, the glass façade, and the distinctive 5x5 grid light system, are still evident within the more modern, industrial design.
The York Stone façade has been meticulously preserved, ensuring the building remains part of Halifax’s architectural landscape, the firm added.
The extensive refurbishment was delivered in partnership with Wates and Calderdale Council.
Sustainability has been central to the project, with the Halifax site now operating on zero carbon heating via a cutting-edge heat pump system.
The innovation, featuring boreholes as deep as London’s Shard, is set to cut over 1,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually and achieve the highest possible EPC A energy rating.
The site uses 100 per cent renewable electricity, and innovative waste reduction measures include recycling stations made from 70 per cent recycled plastic and 30 per cent coffee grounds.
Three biodiverse living roofs and a rainwater harvesting system further enhance the building’s environmental credentials.
The firm says colleague wellbeing and inclusion is also at the heart of the refurbishment, with new features including accessible changing places toilets, Braille signage, contemplation rooms, and a free fitness space led by local instructors.
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: "This investment is a fantastic vote of confidence in Calderdale and the wider region.
"By creating a modern, sustainable workplace, Lloyds is investing in our regional talent pipeline as well as bricks and mortar - creating high quality T-level and apprenticeship opportunities in our vital digital and business sectors."
"Lloyds is setting the bar high for how businesses can preserve our heritage whilst embracing innovation and that is the kind of ambition we want for West Yorkshire."
Scott Camp, managing director of Wates Smartspace, added: “The Halifax Trinity Road refurbishment is a true example of what can be achieved through collaboration.
"Working together with our long-term partner Lloyds Banking Group, our supply chain, and consultants, we’ve delivered a transformation that respects the building’s heritage while creating a modern, sustainable workplace for thousands of colleagues.
"This project reflects the strength of our partnership and a shared vision to combine sustainability and innovation with social impact for the benefit of people and communities.”