Halifax Piece Hall marks "substantial turnaround" in finances
The attraction which has hosted a string of high profile concerts over the past year has recorded a budget surplus
Halifax’s Piece Hall Trust has seen a “substantial turnaround” in financial fortunes over a 12 month period, says the organisation.
Calderdale Council’s owns the historic Grade I-listed 18th century landmark but it is run by the Trust under a service level agreement (SLA) with the authority.
The Trust has published its annual review and a spokesperson said “a successful year of dynamic world class culture, progressive trade, enriching community events and countless opportunities to learn and develop has seen a significant turnaround in The Piece Hall’s financial performance.”
An 18-month accounting period covering to September 2024 had seen the Trust log losses of around £700,000, but the following 12 months has seen a turnaround in performance.
The period October 2024 to September 2025 has seen the charitable trust report a surplus of just under £357,000, it says.
The Trust says fully audited accounts for this period will be available on Companies House in the coming days, but ahead of their release The Piece Hall has published its Annual Review which includes the new financial results.
The Trust has been under scrutiny from councillors with some controversy over £225,000 support provided annually by Calderdale Council to the trust as part of the SLA.
In May’s elections Reform UK took control of the council and have claimed the sum was not budgeted for, although former Labour Cabinet member Coun Sarah Courtney (Hebden Bridge and Todmorden East) challenged the assertion and said it was included in the budget.
Reform have previously challenged Trust representatives over finance and funding issues in scrutiny meetings and questioned the need for the annual sum.
Chair of The Piece Hall Trust Orphy Robinson says the surplus is a “substantial turnaround” from the previous accounting period, reflecting the success of the steps taken by the Trust to strengthen financial stability and improve performance.
“As well as all the amazing public and community events and activities, we’ve seen a huge amount of progress behind the scenes since October 2024.
“Thanks to the skill and dedication of our CEO Nicky Chance-Thompson and her team, the Trustees, volunteers, and tenants, we achieved a successful financial turnaround.
“This stability gives us room to breathe, to plan with confidence, and to dream bigger again and we’re moving forward with renewed energy, pride, and possibility.
“During my first year as Chair I have witnessed first-hand the sheer passion that surrounds this extraordinary place, which we will continue to breathe life into for the benefit of everyone in Calderdale,” he said.
Chief Executive Officer of The Piece Hall Trust, Nicky Chance-Thompson, said “intense” hard work since the last results were posted has yielded results.
“We have been decisive, focused and dug in and I’m incredibly proud to say we have turned the organisation from losses, caused by unprecedented economic conditions, to a surplus of £356,700 in the space of a year.
“Our job is to preserve and promote this unique asset which we are so lucky to have in Calderdale while continuing to drive regeneration, and we are doing just that.
“The combination of world class arts and music events, a thriving tenant community and increasing opportunities for learning, growth and participation via The Piece Hall Academy, helps bring a positive economic impact of around £90 million to the region every year.
“Add to that our invaluable social impact and The Piece Hall is a without question an investment of exceptional value for the borough,” she said.
She stressed that in the current financial climate, and under current heritage funding models, The Piece Hall will continue to face challenges.
The annual report claims The Piece Hall has boosted the Calderdale economy by £680 million in the last decade.
Counterculture, which is a consultancy firm that helps cultural, heritage and educational organisations with planning, management, funding and specialist legal advice, produced the economic assessment for the Trust, looking at the local, regional and national benefits brought by The Piece Hall.
Calderdale pubs, bars restaurants, hotels and taxi firms benefit significantly from the increased footfall, claims the Trust.
Supporting statements in the annual review include from centre director for Halifax’s Woolshops shopping centre, Jason Gregg, who says: “The Piece Hall has made an amazing contribution to the regeneration of Halifax Town Centre.
“As an immediate neighbour the Woolshops shopping centre is all too aware of that positive impact with increased footfall and shopper numbers.
“The impact of Piece Hall is a very significant factor in the continuing success of the shopping centre which saw its most successful year in 2025.”
The council’s Chief Executive, Robin Tuddenham, says in the annual report: “The Piece Hall has become a widely recognised landmark, helping to keep Calderdale on the map and contributing to our economy.”