Square Chapel Arts Centre: MP's update on future of troubled Halifax theatre
A decision on what will happen to a closed Halifax theatre is imminent.
Halifax’s MP Kate Dearden says she has been told who will take on the running of Square Chapel Arts Centre will be decided “in the next few weeks”.
The venue shut suddenly in February 2025, to the dismay of many across Calderdale and beyond.
It was then put up for sale in August this year after being seized by liquidators.
Ms Dearden said she met with Arts Council England last week to find out about the next stages of the bidding process.
"They shared that a decision will be made in the next few weeks on who will go on to run this space,” she said.
"I’ll make sure to keep residents updated as soon as the announcement has been made.
"I can’t wait to see this space reopen. I’ll continue working with the community and its new owners to help ensure this much-loved venue is brought back to life as quickly as possible.”
Arts Council England has told the Courier previously it was aware of “a number of interested parties” who want to use the building "for cultural purposes”.
The organisation also said it was trying to find a way for the community to have a say over who takes on the iconic premises.
Actor Reece Dinsdale, who has been in both Coronation Street and Emmerdale, has been rallying support to try to rescue Square Chapel Arts Centre.
Those backing his bid include Julie Hesmondhalgh, best known for playing Hayley Cropper in Coronation Street and who took part in this year’s series of Celebrity Traitors, and Michelle Keegan, who starred in military drama Our Girl and most recently ITV’s The Blame.