New Central Library and Archive
Plans for the new Central Library and Archive and a fourth gate for the Piece Hall were given the go-ahead at Calderdale Council’s planning committee at a meeting on Tuesday 1 October 2013.
This marks the next step towards delivering a new 21st Century Library and Archive for Calderdale. Located on the Square Church site next to the Piece Hall, the new library and archive will occupy land that has been unused for many years and will incorporate the remains of the church into the building's design.
During the planning consultation period Calderdale Council and English Heritage agreed changes which will make sure the new building and fourth gate complement the neighbouring Piece Hall and Square Chapel, and also provide significant improvements to the area.
There will be a clear view of the new library on the approach to the Piece Hall as it has been agreed that the railings which currently face Square Road will be removed. The new Central Library will also be more prominent as the plans have been altered to increase the size of the building, making it closer to Square Road, attracting visitors as they head towards Halifax’s Cultural Quarter.
As in the previous plans, steps will lead up to the library and the new fourth gate of the Piece Hall. Access will also be available via a lift, which has now been added to the new building, taking people from Square Road to the Central Library and Archive entrance. We are now proposing to add a new covered terrace to the plans, which will ensure that visitors will be protected during bad weather. Although linked to the new building, the lift will be available during and outside the library’s opening times to enable easy access to the Piece Hall from Square Road.
Keeping you informed
To view the planning documents related to the development of the new library and archive, search the planning database using the terms Central Library and / or Square Road Church Spire. Search planning applications.
If you are unable to open the documents, save the files to your computer to view.
Timeline for the development
The Secretary of State granted listed building consent on 21 October 2013 and we are continuing to work to the following programme:
| Contractor procured | October 2013 to January 2014 |
| Development starts on site | Spring 2014 |
| New Central Library and Archive will open | Spring 2016 |
The first issue of the new Central Library and Archive newsletter is now available, featuring the latest news on the development: Newsletter June 2013 [PDF file 1943KB]|
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