Revamp of Piece Hall continues

Gone are the old stone setts which date back to the 1970s and which are being replaced to create an attractive and sophisticated town square, as part of the £19 million transformation project funded by Calderdale Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Research into the Piece Hall archives has shown that when it originally opened in 1779 the courtyard was covered in grass and gravel.

The stone setts were a much later addition, initially appearing in 1871. This created the patchwork of setts, pavement and grass which is so familiar to recent visitors, and which have now been removed and recycled.

Leader of Calderdale Council, Coun Tim Swift, said: “The new courtyard will be one of the most visible changes to the Piece Hall during the transformation process.

“The combination of granite and sandstone is creating a beautiful and versatile courtyard, ideal for staging outdoor events and entertainment or simply a place where people can sit on the steps and enjoy the sunshine.”

The new, even surface will be better for wheelchair users and for parents with prams and push chairs, allowing people of all ages to enjoy the attractive town square. The design and choice of material was based on feedback from the public during discussions.