Video: A view from the sky of Square Chapel and Piece Hall development

The first stages of the multi-million pound development of the Piece Hall that will transform the 236-year-old building are gathering pace.

The Transformation Project works are funded by Calderdale Council and has received a major award from the Heritage Lottery Fund to support the conservation programme and the provision of heritage interpretation, learning and volunteering from 2016.

Contractors Graham Construction is making progress on the transformation works using heritage stonemasons to deliver the comprehensive programme of conservation repairs to the historic fabric of the building.

Other work is focussing on preparing the site for infrastructure improvements and major work on the courtyard.

The £20m 72-week development of the historic building started on October 27, 2014, and is set to be completed in 2016.

The Cornerstone project at the Square Chapel 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.

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