Halifax town centre is set to be transformed, as new images are revealed of the ambitious project. The images, which show a transformational change to the railway entry, piece gardens and a new leisure centre, are part of the multi-million pound project to elevate Halifax to another level within the region.

Calderdale Council, who released the images, are preparing a funding bid for the £150m development, and they’ll be speaking at the Transforming West Yorkshire Conference on the 19th June.

The £150m regeneration and transformational project, which it hopes would be complete by 2022, includes Piece Gardens next to Piece Hall – which will see a more modernised pedestrian area and lush green space to create a more attractive town centre. The railway station regeneration will provide a much needed revamp to the town’s entrance point, whilst a new leisure centre is also set to be built – all connected through improved infrastructure and pedestrianisation through the town.

The proposals see a huge change with the town centre being altered to improve bus and cycle roads, which includes major road changes as part of the northern gateway plans – which the Council hopes will improve connectivity and ease congestion.

The leisure centre is set to replace the departing Halifax Swimming Pool and North Bridge Leisure Centre which will be merged into one to create a more user friendly and more popular destination within the heart of the town.

Calderdale Council believe that the ‘Next Chapter’ project could bring an annual economic benefit of £150m to the area, whilst creating 2,000 jobs and ultimately adding £2.4bn per year to the borough’s economy in a huge boost for economic growth.

Summarising the plans the Council say: ”Our vision is all about creating a place where people want to live, visit, study and work. A place where businesses want to locate. A place that attracts investment and interest from a whole range of sectors. We’re building on our heritage, our fine architecture, our vibrant business sector and our strong communities. We’re introducing a new public square, Piece Gardens. It will be created outside of the Square Chapel, which will require closure of the Square Road. It will provide enhanced pedestrian and cycle access from the railway station to Halifax town centre.

A full business plan is set to be submitted soon to the West Yorkshire Combined Authority to provide funding for improvements to the A629.

To hear more about the exciting developments in Calderdale and the rest of West Yorkshire join us for the Transforming West Yorkshire Development Plans Conference.