The Piece Hall Transformation Project

Supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, the transformation of The Piece Hall in Halifax has seen the careful conservation of one of the UK’s most important Georgian buildings by LDN Architects, and its reinvention as a multi-purpose destination for culture, commerce, and heritage. Central to this transformation is the reimagining of its historic courtyard into a flexible, accessible and engaging civic square.

Once a place of trade and exchange, the courtyard now supports a year-round programme of public events and cultural activity. The new design by Gillespies successfully bridges past and present, creating a contemporary public realm that meets modern accessibility and performance requirements, while reinforcing the historical character and architectural integrity of the site.

Working closely with Historic England and Calderdale Council’s conservation officers, Gillespies developed a bespoke design solution that responds to the building’s classical geometry and complex level changes. The scheme carefully integrates new paving, steps, ramps, seating, and water features to form a generous, flexible central space capable of supporting a wide range of public events.

Locally sourced Yorkstone was selected as the primary surface, complemented by contrasting granite to define the courtyards thresholds and steps. New seating and furniture were designed to be simple and durable, without distracting from the architecture.

Two new cascading water features, located at the northwest and southeast corners of the square, introduce movement and sound while offering a subtle reference to the historical importance of water in Halifax’s textile production. A carefully developed lighting strategy enhances the architectural rhythm of the building after dark, creating a welcoming and atmospheric setting that extends the usability of the space well into the evening.