Piece Hall bosses 'extremely grateful' for £995,000 grant from Culture Recovery Fund for Heritage

433 organisations in England have received a share of £67million in the first round of awards from the Culture Recovery Fund for Heritage.

The grants – which range from £10,000 to £1m – will protect heritage and save jobs from the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis.

The Grade I listed Georgian cloth hall in the world received £995,000.

Nicky Chance-Thompson DL, CEO at The Piece Hall Trust, said: “2020 has been a year which has posed unprecedented challenges for venues across the UK, particularly those with an offering focussed around heritage, retail and events.

"However, it is our view that the cultural and heritage sectors have a vital role to play nationally at this time, both in the emotional and economic recovery from the current situation.

"The response we’ve already received from a range of partners and also the public has been absolutely amazing, giving us great confidence for a bright and successful future.

"We’ve already seen fantastic demand for the live events we’re putting on in 2021, and while we are continuing to manage footfall in a sensible and effective way, things are moving in the right direction.

“This Culture Recovery Fund grant is brilliant for The Piece Hall and is something we are extremely grateful to receive.

"It allows us to safeguard our activities and plan effectively for the future, alongside funding already committed from our local partners, such as Calderdale Council.

"These funding streams will allow us to plan for the long-term, and we believe this will make a huge impact on the local economy.

"Our research demonstrated last year that for every £1 invested in The Piece Hall, £5.30 was delivered back in terms of ongoing economic benefit.

"The continued support of our funding streams, and this new funding aligned, will allow us to continue playing our part and deliver longer-term benefits.”

The grant will be used to ensure the historic building can continue be safely operated and open to visitors, support its thriving tenant community and allow the Trust to invest in equipment and skills which can help to generate income.

Roger Marsh OBE DL, Chair of the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership and The NP11, as well as chair of trustees at The Piece Hall Trust, said: “Culture will play a crucial role in our collective regional and national recovery from the impacts of COVID-19.

"The Culture Recovery Fund is a most welcome lifeline for the sector and recognises the vital role culture and heritage plays in people’s lives and livelihoods.

"Not only is there a direct economic benefit in terms of those employed by the industry, but there is also a role to be played in terms of the ongoing regeneration of our towns and cities, as well as the wider wellbeing of the people who live here.

"Yorkshire and the north are blessed with some fantastic buildings of significant historical and economic importance and the Piece Hall is a jewel in the crown that we can all be proud of.”