How Halifax Sixth Form Centre and retail complex will look in the future

Proposed Northgate development (credit: LDN Architects)

Calderdale Council’s vision is to create a mixed-use development on the site, including a new sixth form centre and a range of retail, commercial or residential units.

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Work started on site last week by contractor Harris CM to clear the former library building.

The Council is working with Trinity Multi-Academy Trust and Rastrick High School on the expanded sixth form offer, which will initially include 600 places for post-16 students from across Calderdale and beyond.

READ: Last Tango in Halifax and Happy Valley voted in top six of Yorkshire's greatest television shows of all timeCouncillor Tim Swift, Calderdale Council’s Leader, said: “It’s fantastic to see work progressing for this prime town centre location. This is a key part of our Next Chapter programme to transform Halifax town centre and put Calderdale on the map, alongside other major developments including transport improvements and Halifax’s thriving cultural quarter.

“The plans for the Northgate site aim to help strengthen the economy through increased footfall and consumer spending in the town centre and the retention of talented, skilled young people within Calderdale.”

READ: Work to start in 2019 on smart motorway scheme from Brighouse to RochdaleThe sixth form centre is expected be open to students by autumn 2019.

This will help to meet the Council’s need to find an additional 675 secondary school place.

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Duncan Brundell, Chair of Rastrick High School Trust, said: “Rastrick High School has high expectations for all its students. Enabling them to achieve these expectations means providing access to outstanding teaching and learning facilities far beyond GCSEs.

“We remain committed to preparing our young people for the next phase of their learning or career path and feel that the new Sixth Form College will provide them with the best possible opportunities.”

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Last week the planning application for the entire Northgate site having been submitted. Additionally, a report is due to be considered by the Council’s Cabinet this summer, outlining in more detail the preferred mix of uses for the parts of the site which are not required for the sixth form centre.

Michael Gosling, CEO of Trinity Multi-Academy Trust (MAT), added:“Trinity MAT is delighted to work in partnership with the Council, as well as other partner schools, to deliver this ambitious and transformational post-16 college. We believe that it will become a beacon of excellence, enabling many more students to benefit from the outstanding education currently on offer at Trinity Academy Halifax.”