Delays to £19m Piece Hall development

The project to transfrom the 18th century hall into shops, cafes, office and a large town square which will become the venue for large events was expected to be opened this summer.

However, Councillor Tim Swift speaking this morning said it will not be open completely until after Christmas but is hoping there will be opportunities for local people to see the building transformation.

He said that the Council is currently in negotiations with the Piece Hall Trust and retailers for when the development will be completed.

The cost of the project will have gone up according to Coun Swift but there were contingency plans built into the project.

Coun Swift also said there have been some surprises as the development has gone on including the excavation of 200 hundred bodies.

Graham Construction was successful in securing the contract for the refurbishment to restore the Grade I listed Halifax town centre building.

The developers commenced work on October 27 2014 and said at the time that development project would last 72 weeks.