Piece Hall closes for £19m renovation

THE historic Piece Hall in Halifax has closed to allow for preparation work ahead of a £19m refurbishment programme.

The two-year project will restore the 18th Century building and add an extension and a new visitors’ centre.

The Grade I listed building was opened in 1779 as a trading centre for locally woven cloth before being converted in the 1970s into a tourist attraction with an art gallery, museum and shops.

Calderdale Council has contributed £10m towards the work while another £7m has been secured from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

A fundraising campaign will be launched for the remaining £2m.