Calderdale Council has received a £2 million boost thanks to the opening of Broad Street Plaza.
The £35 million privately funded development is on the site of the former Broad Street car park, which was previously owned by the Council. Payment of the £2m to the Council was linked to completion of the first phase of Broad Street.
The Plaza hosts a range of entertainment and leisure facilities and is one of the largest regeneration projects in West Yorkshire in recent years, helping to transform the centre of Halifax. Broad Street Plaza has already begun to attract more families into the town during the previously quiet period between 5pm and 8pm.
Councillor Tim Swift, Leader of Calderdale Council said:
“The Council is delighted with the success of this new development. Not only has it created over 280 jobs, it has also provided a welcome boost to the local economy, increasing the amount of time, and money, which visitors spend in the town. The £2million, which we have received as a result of completion of the first phase, will be re-invested in the town centre.”
Lance Stanbury, Centre Manager at Broad Street Plaza said:
“The Plaza has experienced a phenomenal first four months since it opened in September 2012. Its nine restaurants, cinema, gym and hotel have reported results far better than expected for either the location or the economic situation. Vue cinema is gaining market share every week, driven by the appeal of its extra-large ‘Xtreme Screen’, regular Bollywood films and special screenings for schools. TGI Friday’s is one of the company’s most successful branches and the Premier Inn is reporting excellent occupancy rates because of its central location, car park and the excellent range of restaurants.
“Broad Street Plaza is clearly demonstrating that it has quickly become the premier leisure destination in Calderdale and beyond. Its leisure provision is complementing the town’s retail offer very well, helping to consolidate Halifax’s position in West Yorkshire as an excellent place to spend time shopping and relaxing.”
Jason Gregg, Woolshops Shopping Centre Manager at the said:
“Before the Plaza opened people were travelling to neighbouring towns to visit the cinema or dine out. Since the development opened we’re finding that people are now staying local, travelling into the town centre to shop, eat out and use the new leisure facilities.”
Broad Street Plaza is one element of the overall investment currently underway to revitalise Halifax town centre, which includes the transformation of the Piece Hall and the development of the new library and archive.