Multi-million pound project aims to secure thriving future for historic markets

The transformation of Halifax Borough Market has moved a step closer, after the revitalisation project reached significant milestones.

Calderdale Council is investing nearly £4.5m into the market hall, after it secured £11.7m from the Government’s Future High Streets Fund for improvements across the town centre.

Work on the Grade II* listed Borough Market, which opened in 1896, will include:

• Restoration of the façade and repairs to the roof, which is an important heritage feature.
• Improved entrances and routes inside the market to make it easier to explore and to help people enjoy the market’s features and stalls.
• Improved areas for events outside of market trading hours, including pop-up units and refurbished toilet facilities.

The council has now submitted a listed building consent application for improvements to the market arcade doors, to complement new automatic sliding doors in the other entrances.

The original swinging doors are still in place, so listed building consent is being sought to make them fit for modern use and easier to open.

Subject to consent, the outer two historic doors will be repaired and preserved to protect their original features and reveal previously hidden details.

The application for the market arcade comes after planning permission and listed building consent were recently granted for work to revamp the Albion Street entrance.

It will include renewing the shopfronts and creating a distinctive steel and glass canopy above the entrance and new signs and retractable awnings.

The council has submitted a request for listed building consent for the area around the market hall’s clock, for work to make the most of the original clock and to create an area for meeting, entertainment and information.

The retailer currently based there will relocate from the clock tower to a new purpose-built stall.

A major reroofing project is well underway. All the glass is being replaced to make the market hall lighter and brighter.

New double glazing and roof insulation will help keep heat inside the building, increasing the building’s energy efficiency.

New, high-speed WiFi networks have been installed for customers and traders, and work is ongoing to refurbish the public and trader toilets, to create clear signage for the whole building, and to develop the Albany Arcade space for daytime and evening events.

Councillor Silvia Dacre, Calderdale Council’s cabinet member for resources, said: “The distinctive Victorian Halifax Borough Market is a much-loved part of the town and our local heritage.

“We are investing to make sure it stays at the heart of the community for years to come, with new facilities that will help secure the market’s future by encouraging more people to visit and trade there.”

Cllr Sarah Courtney, cabinet member for towns, tourism and voluntary sector, added: “Revitalising the Borough Market supports our priority for thriving towns and places.

“Alongside the other exciting regeneration projects across Halifax, including the Future High Streets investment into the Victoria Theatre, George Square and the historic alleyways, it will encourage people to explore and stay longer.”