“We’re one of the most iconic buildings in Halifax and I’m absolutely determined to keep it going” - Defiant message from Piece Hall boss over coronavirus outbreak

The attraction remains open, but with the government advising the public against unnecessary social interaction and travel, public attractions such as the Piece Hall are expected to see visitor numbers fall.

“We’re following the Chief Medical Officer’s advice,” said Mrs Chance-Thompson. “There’s no requirement to close shops at the moment.

“What we’re doing is working with our food and beverage tenants and formulate a responsible response to social distancing, and explore how they can continue to operate.

“But we as a destination will behave responsibly around that.

“For example, all the Piece Hall’s own outlets are going to switch to a home delivery and takeaway service, and our tenants will inform us in due course about what they plan to do.

“In many ways, it’s business as usual until we are told otherwise.

“There is likely to be an impact on mass gatherings so it’s likely events will have to be postponed. We’ll have to wait to be advised on that.

“There’s no precedent for this. A lot of what we are doing is based on the information  available at the time.

“The Prime Minister has said that social distancing is likely to be in place for the foreseeable future so there’s no doubt there will be a drop in footfall as a result of that.

“We have shops here that sell food and groceries, and people will still need to shop.

“We have still had quite a few people here, a lot of people are buying stuff and taking it away or eating it in the courtyard.

“We are an open air venue so it is easier when it comes to social distancing.

“We are an important community square and one of the most iconic buildings in Halifax.

“I’m absolutely determined to keep it going.

“It’s been the most important regenerator for the town, it’s one of the things that’s going to help bring us out of the doom and gloom when this is all finished.

“How we support it will change over the next few months

“I have met with all our tenants to talk through how we are going to support them. We’re all in it together.

“The only way we will get through it is by being calm, rational, creative and responding in a positive way.

“We will look at what can do to support emergency services, the council and the community.”

Mrs Chance-Thompson says she hopes no businesses close permanently because of the virus, but has called on the government to show their support.

“It’s going to be more expensive supporting people through the Department for Work and Pensions than financial contributions.

“These businesses are what have revitalised the town. If they go there are no guarantees we can get them back.

“I hope the government recognise that and ensure they make money available quickly for them.”

On whether events planned for The Piece Hall will have to be cancelled over the next few weeks and months, Mrs Chance-Thompson said: “We have some concerts planned for June and July but we are in the hands of the promoters and the artists over what they decide to do.

“But there will be a party at the Piece Hall at the end of all this, I can tell you.

“People are very frightened and very concerned, but we are going to support our tenants as much as we can throughout this difficult period.

“We plan to carry on until we are told to stop. That’s all we can do.”

In a statement, Square Chapel said: “The safety of our staff, volunteers and visitors is of paramount importance to us. So therefore, in response to the Government’s latest advice, we have made the decision to close Square Chapel Arts Centre to the public from today (Tuesday).

“We will be reviewing this on a regular basis and in line with further advice from the Government and health officials regarding coronavirus.
“All Square Chapel staff have been advised to self-isolate if showing symptoms and only work from home where possible. If anyone has any queries please email [email protected] and we will respond in due course.”

Eureka Children’s Museum say they are still open, but are keeping a close eye on advice and so that might change.

They are still welcoming school visits. If you have arranged a school trip and would like to postpone your visit date, you can call 01422 330069.