A time capsule discovered during construction work in Halifax town centre is going on display at the Piece Hall Visitor Centre in the town.
The time capsule from 1998 was found by contractors Galliford Try during works on the A629 phase 2 Halifax town centre project, which is being delivered by Calderdale Council.
Originally buried by Calderdale Council, the capsule contained photos of Bull Green roundabout, as well as planning documents and maps about the development of the area.
The items will be put on display as part of a temporary exhibition in Halifax from Friday 11 April to Friday 30 May 2025, before being reburied with additional items later this summer.
Visitors can also expect to see toys and written letters by children from Salterhebble Junior School, Whitehill Community Academy and Ling Bob Junior School, which were all placed inside the metal box.
Damion Wilkins, Project Lead for Galliford Try Infrastructure, said:
“It’s a real privilege for our team to have discovered and now help showcase this piece of Halifax’s history. The time capsule offers a fascinating snapshot of the town as it was in 1998, and we’re proud to play a part in connecting the past with the present as we deliver these improvements for future generations.”
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Transport, Cllr Sarah Courtney, said:
“It was really exciting to discover this time capsule, which offers a glimpse of life in Calderdale in 1998.
“As well as photos and small toys, the capsule also contained letters with stories from local schools about their hopes and predictions for the future of Halifax. It’s therefore fitting that the capsule should be discovered as part of ambitious improvement works in the town, creating a more welcoming town centre, with new safer ways for people to get around.
“As the time capsule wasn’t due to be discovered until 2048, it will be reburied with additional items, but before this happens people will have a chance to view the contents on display at the Piece Hall. I’m sure those involved in the original project will be thrilled to see the artefacts again.”
The A629 phase 2 Halifax town centre project is being delivered by Calderdale Council with construction work being carried out by Galliford Try. The project is fully funded by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s West Yorkshire-plus Transport Fund. It will transform the town centre by creating new welcoming spaces, improving accessibility and traffic circulation around the town, and enhancing public transport connectivity.
More information about the project is available at calderdalenextchapter.co.uk/projects/a629-halifax-town-centre(external link)