Plans shape up for square in Halifax

Wednesday, 20 December 2023 10:49

Plans are progressing for the transformation of George Square and George Street in Halifax into a thriving destination where people can spend more time.

As part of the regeneration of Halifax town centre, Calderdale Council is planning to create a new public square, events space and greener area in George Square and George Street.

The work is funded by the £11.7 million secured for improvements across the town centre from the UK Government’s Future High Streets Fund.

Making this area more welcoming, safer and greener will encourage more people to visit the top of the town centre to shop, meet, socialise and relax.

The Council will create a flexible new space for community events at the bottom of George Square, by removing the public toilets that have been closed since before the pandemic. Demolition notices are in place on site.

The Council will also plant new trees, alongside the existing cherry trees, to make the area more attractive and calming. It will widen the footpaths to create more space for people to walk and sit, and give businesses the opportunity to provide outdoor seating. The pay and display parking bays in George Square and George Street will be removed to make way for these improvements.

Cllr Tim Swift, Calderdale Council’s Deputy Leader with Cabinet responsibility for Halifax master planning and regeneration, said:

“George Square is surrounded by beautiful, historic buildings and established businesses. With the planned improvements to pavements and greenery in place, it will make an excellent space for small outdoor community events and play its part in Calderdale’s ever-growing cultural programme.

“This will encourage more people to explore and spend time in this top part of the town centre. Along with the many other major projects going on across Halifax, it will help the high street to grow and thrive.”

The transformation of George Square and George Street is expected to start in spring 2024 and be complete by summer 2024.

The Government’s Future High Streets Fund aims to renew and reshape town centres in a way that drives growth, improves experience and ensures future sustainability.

Calderdale Council received £18 million from the Future High Streets Fund in December 2020, to support town centre improvements in Halifax (£11.7 million) and Elland (£6.3 million).

In Halifax, the projects aim to upgrade and reinvent a number of the town’s distinctive assets, including the Victoria Theatre and Halifax Borough Market. Creating better connections between key destinations and landmarks will encourage people to walk around the town centre and discover new public spaces.

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