The hall in Halifax has been a stunning events venue since 1779 and remains the only 18th-century northern cloth hall of its kind, now hosting music concerts, independent shops and restaurants
It has stood the test of time since the 1700s(Image: PhotoEye.co.uk)
Nestled in the centre of Halifax in West Yorkshire sits an architectural gem that now serves as a premier events destination for the region.
Since 1779, The Piece Hall has been an integral part of the town, functioning as an expansive open-air courtyard that’s currently encircled by a vibrant town centre brimming with shops, bars and restaurants.
Originally designed to accommodate large exhibitions, this magnificent space has evolved into a breathtaking venue hosting an extensive array of events.
One recent visitor shared on TripAdvisor: “Great trip, lovely environment and good shops! The Piece hall is an absolutely brilliant tourist attraction and has done wonders for Halifax!”.
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History
The Piece Hall ceremoniously welcomed its first visitors on New Year’s Day in 1779, operating as a public marketplace for trading woven cloth and fabric.
The construction costs totalled just over £9,000 at the time, equivalent to approximately half a million pounds in today’s money.
It represented a masterpiece of architectural undertaking for its era and stands as the sole surviving example of 18th-century northern cloth halls.
This landmark building held a pivotal position in the textiles industry, contributing significantly not only to Yorkshire’s economy but to the nation’s prosperity for generations.
The opening is believed to have featured an elaborate grand ceremony, complete with a musical procession and spectacular fireworks display. Trading commenced the very next day, with business conducted every Saturday for merely two hours weekly.
Events
The Piece Hall has established itself as a vibrant entertainment destination, serving as Yorkshire’s premier venue for live music, theatrical productions and cultural exhibitions.
Its stunning and spacious courtyard provides an ideal setting for broadcast productions, including hosting the BBC’s beloved Antiques Roadshow.
The venue has welcomed circus acts, dramatic performances and musical concerts, whilst also functioning as an open-air cinema location. Most music events operate on a standing basis to maximise the area’s capacity, with minimal seating available.
The Piece Hall’s forthcoming calendar features Madness performing across two consecutive evenings from June 11, alongside a Paul Weller performance during that same week.
Renowned British acts including the Kooks and McFly are scheduled to perform at the historic location later this year.
One guest urged visitors to “not miss this Yorkshire jewel”, describing it as a “total delight” that’s “soaked in historic interest”, whilst praising the on-site retail offerings as making it “so worth a visit”.
Refurbishment
After a comprehensive refurbishment programme costing approximately £19 million, the Piece Hall celebrated its spectacular reopening during summer 2017.
To facilitate such substantial renovations, the location remained shuttered for three and a half years, commencing in January 2014.
The restoration works included re-levelling the central courtyard, transforming it into a vast 66,000-square-foot piazza capable of hosting events for up to 7,500 people.
Additionally, the project saw the careful restoration of the original stonework, preserving its historical integrity.
However, the most significant aspect of the restoration was the creation of spaces within the arcades to accommodate independent shops, cafés and bars.
The site also gained a new extension on its eastern side, which now contains a learning centre where visitors can discover the heritage of the location and its role in Yorkshire’s industrial development.
Shops
Behind the stone walls of the Piece Hall sits an array of independent retailers offering everything from handicrafts to books, clothing, homeware and beyond. Among its most popular shops are Loafers, a local record shop, The Book Corner, Antiques by Rachel and Waterfall Games store.
Following a day of browsing, one visitor claimed: “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!”.