Square Chapel sale: 'Number of parties' interested in buying troubled Halifax theatre
Several potential buyers have come forward for Halifax’s Square Chapel Arts Centre, Arts Council England has revealed.
The troubled venue, which shut suddenly in February 2025, went on the market in August after being seized by liquidators.
Arts Council England says it is aware of “a number of interested parties” who want to use the building "for cultural purposes”.
The organisation is also trying to find a way for the community to have a say over who takes on the iconic arts venue building.
An Arts Council England spokesperson said: “Following the winding-up order that was issued to Square Chapel CIC by the High Court in May 2026, we appointed Watling Real Estate, as our receiver, to act in the interest of all the creditors and to protect the Square Chapel building.
"Under its duties as a receiver, Watling has proceeded to market the building.
"We remain committed to try and return the building to cultural use for the communities of Halifax and we will work with Watling and local stakeholders to help facilitate this.
“We are aware of a number of interested parties seeking to operate the building for cultural purposes and we are in discussion with the receiver to see if there is a legal way to include community voice in deciding who takes ownership of the building.”
A winding-up order was secured against Square Chapel CIC (Community Interest Company) - the company in charge of Square Chapel Arts Centre - in June.
The order forced Square Chapel CIC to shut down and into compulsory liquidation.
Square Chapel CIC – a non-profit organisation – was formed in 2020 after Arts At The Mill CIC – the umbrella for Wigan organisations The Old Courts, Wigan Pier and The Royal Court Theatre – took over the theatre.
It announced in February 2025 it was shutting the theatre and cancelling planned performances “whilst we work with professional services to discuss the future of the venue”.
It has been closed ever since.
Concern for the future of the theatre had been growing for some time before the closure, with the Courier reporting in September 2024 how a spokesperson for the group running the venue had admitted there were “a number of artists” who had not been paid following performances there.
The group in charge is keen to stress that by the time Square Chapel closed its doors in 2025, all artists had been paid in full.
Since February 2025, the building’s only use has been temporarily as a green room for artists during Live at The Piece Hall gigs.
Members of the Save Square Chapel Campaign group have been trying to bring the theatre back into use since it shut, and are pushing for it to be reopened as arts venue.
They want to see Halifax residents consulted about proposals from prospective operators and owners before Arts Council England decides who to pass Square Chapel on to.