‘Masterpiece’ building with Georgian architecture is only one left in the world | UK | Travel
It has stood the test of time since the 1700s (Image: Liverpool ECHO)
Nestled in the centre of Halifax in West Yorkshire lies an architectural gem which now serves as a premier venue for events across the region.
Since 1779, The Piece Hall has been an integral part of the town, functioning as an expansive open-air courtyard now encircled by a vibrant town centre brimming with shops, bars and restaurants.
Originally designed to accommodate large exhibitions, the venue today hosts an impressive array of occasions and functions.
A recent visitor wrote on TripAdvisor: “Great trip, lovely environment and good shops! The Piece hall is an absolutely brilliant tourist attraction and has done wonders for Halifax!”.
History
The Piece Hall ceremoniously welcomed its first visitors on New Year’s Day in 1779, operating as a public marketplace for trading woven textiles and fabric. Construction costs totalled just over £9,000 at the time, equivalent to approximately half a million pounds in today’s money.
It was considered a bold architectural undertaking for its era and stands as the sole surviving example of 18th-century northern cloth halls.
The building held a pivotal position in the textile industry, contributing significantly not only to Yorkshire’s economy but to the nation’s prosperity for many decades.
The hall is now full of independent shops (Image: PhotoEye.co.uk)
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Its opening is believed to have featured an elaborate grand ceremony, complete with a musical procession and spectacular fireworks display. Trading commenced the following day, with business conducted every Saturday for merely two hours weekly.
Events
The Piece Hall has long been a venue for entertainment and now serves as a central location for Yorkshire’s live music performances, theatrical productions and exhibitions.
Its stunning and spacious courtyard provides an ideal setting for televised programmes as well, including the BBC’s popular Antiques Road Show.
The venue has hosted circus acts, theatrical performances and musical concerts, and has also functioned as an open-air cinema location. Most music events are standing-only to maximise capacity, with limited seating available.
The hall was restored and reopened in 2017 (Image: PR HANDOUT)
Forthcoming events at The Piece Hall include two consecutive Madness concerts from June 11, alongside a Paul Weller performance during the same week. Well-known British bands including the Kooks and McFly are also scheduled to perform at the historic site later this year.
One visitor described it as a “not miss this Yorkshire jewel” that shouldn’t be missed, calling it a “total delight” to experience, “soaked in historic interest”, and praised the on-site shops, declaring it “so worth a visit”.
Restoration
After an extensive restoration programme costing up to £19 million, the Piece Hall celebrated its grand reopening in summer 2017. To facilitate such significant works, the site remained closed for three and a half years, commencing in January 2014.
The renovations encompassed relevelling the central courtyard, transforming it into a sprawling 66,000-square-foot plaza suitable for gatherings, now capable of accommodating up to 7,500 attendees. Additionally, the project preserved the historic stonework, maintaining its original integrity.
However, the most significant aspect of this refurbishment involved creating retail spaces beneath the arcades for independent boutiques, coffee houses and drinking establishments.
The site also acquired a fresh extension on its eastern flank, which currently accommodates an educational facility where guests can discover the location’s rich history and its contribution to Yorkshire’s industrial development.
Shopping
Behind the historic stone of the Piece Hall sits an array of independent retailers offering everything from handcrafted items to literature, clothing, household goods and beyond. Among its standout establishments are Loafers, a neighbourhood vinyl emporium, The Book Corner, Antiques by Rachel and Waterfall Games store.
Following a day browsing the shops, one visitor shared: “Amazing architecture, historically fascinating lots of small shops, bars and restaurants. The town is small but has enough charm to keep you entertained. The local indoor market has great food and atmospheric designs. Definitely worth a visit!”.
