Renovation starts at historic Halifax market hall

Improvement works have begun at Halifax Borough Market, marking the start of the first major project funded by the Future High Streets Fund in Halifax.

Revitalising the Victorian market hall is a key part of the £11.7m Future High Streets work planned across Halifax town centre.

The Grade II* listed Borough Market, which first opened in 1896, will benefit from over £5m being invested into:

• Restoration of the historic façade and repairs to the roof which is a key heritage feature.
• Improved entrances and routes inside the market to make it easier to explore and to help people enjoy the market’s many features and stalls, and to better link the top and bottom ends of the town.
• Improved areas for events outside of market trading hours, including pop-up units and refurbished toilet facilities.

The re-roofing part of the project is now underway, in response to feedback from traders about boosting the trading and visitor experience.

The works will help to make the market hall warmer in winter, fix leaks, create more natural light and enable better ventilation control.

Transformation of the building, along with a range of other planned projects, is thanks to the £18m awarded to the Calderdale Council in December 2020 from the Government’s Future High Streets Fund, to support town centre improvements in Halifax (£11.7m) and Elland (£6.3m).

Councillor Silvia Dacre, Calderdale Council’s cabinet member for resources, said: “Conserving and breathing new life into historic buildings is an important part of the Halifax Future High Streets programme.

“The magnificent Borough Market is one of our key heritage buildings and we’re thrilled that major improvements are now underway. These will ensure the market retains and enhances its role at the heart of the town centre.”

Cllr Sarah Courtney, the council’s cabinet member for towns, engagement and public health, added: “This is the first milestone in the wider programme for Halifax, with many more exciting projects planned, such as investment into the Victoria Theatre, George Square and the historic alleyways, linking to the top of the town and ensuring vibrant, welcoming and greener spaces.

“We’re hoping to encourage visitors and residents to move around the whole town, rather than visiting just one area, to make the most of Halifax’s fabulous existing retail and cultural assets, and also giving people the opportunity to be more active in their day-to-day lives.”