Major boost for Square Chapel

The £6.6 million scheme will see a new extension and improved facilities at the Grade 2* listed building and forms part of the redevelopment of that part of town along with the redevelopment of the Piece Hall and a new Central Library.

The new building will include a 108 seater multi-purpose cinema and studio theatre to be used for film screenings, performances and workshops; new dressing rooms; improved toilets; and a café-bar area that will serve locally sourced food and drink.

The project has received contributions including Arts Council England, Calderdale Council, Foyle Foundation, Garfield Weston Foundation, Wolfson Foundation, Monument Trust, Sir George Martin Trust as well as donations from individuals, businesses and fundraising events by the Centre’s supporters.

Sally Martin, director of Square Chapel, said: “Square Chapel has come of age and has outgrown the building as it currently stands.

“It’s an amazing credit to community action and commitment. Literally hundreds of people have generously donated their time, effort, skills and inspiration to do what the centre has achieved to date.

“The volunteers and the community have been at the heart of what we do here and without them we wouldn’t have survived.

“The next chapter is just as exciting as the new extension will help generate more income for us and the area and also means we’re part of the culturally-led regeneration happening in this particular quarter with the Piece Hall and Library. “It’s wonderful to see money being invested in Halifax and I’m personally delighted to see culture and the arts leading the way and bringing new life into Halifax.”

Work will commence on-site from September 2015 and the project should be completed by the summer of 2017.