'We believe in Halifax': See inside ambitious new Halifax development bringing major national brand to the town centre

Westgate Phase II – an expansion of Westgate Quarter – should start seeing its first tenants move in over the summer.

It has been created by O&C Management Services, who have transformed the area that formerly housed Horton House, between Union Street and Horton Street, into the stylish new building.

And the three-floor development of up to 12 units, including a spiral staircase and roof-top terrace space, already has a national brand confirmed.

“Home-from-home cafe bars” Lounge, who have hundreds of branches across the country, will be opening their first branch in Halifax in the new Westgate Quarter premises.

O&C’s group property director Lee Robertshaw said they have had a huge amount of interest from other businesses keen to move in, and the firm is choosing its new tenants carefully.

There are potential units for retailers, hospitality firms and health and beauty practitioners, as well as office space.

The other known trader to be moving in is family-run designer fashion store Spiral Seven, which is moving from its Crown Street premises.

Westgate Quarter manager David Riley said O&C has retained as many of the original features of Horton House as possible.

He said the Georgian former stately home used to be visited by Anne Lister.

O&C is looking to draw businesses to move into the new Halifax development from other areas, and will be offering relocation packages for firms looking to do that.

Mr Robertshaw said: “It's an ambitious scheme.

"Hopefully what the people of the town can see if that we believe in Halifax and we want this to be a vibrant town centre."

He added O&C’s managing director Nick Holdsworth has gathered local talent so that most of the property firm is made up of Calderdale people who care about the area and want to see it succeed because they live here.

"Halifax is our home,” he said. “We were born here, raised here and now we're living here and raising families here."

To enquire about becoming a tenant in the new Westgate Quarter, email [email protected] or call 01422 345525.