Press release from Halifax Civic Trust
Halifax Civic Trust Awards have been made since 1992 to encourage high-quality design and craftsmanship in schemes in Halifax and the surrounding countryside.
Winning projects have included restored mills, the People’s Park, houses, shops and warehouses, new schools, medical centres and housing, everything from a walled garden to a restored 240-year-old sundial.
Awards are given for high-quality new building, the reuse and restoration of old buildings, landscaping or any other work of a high standard which makes a significant improvement to the fabric of the town or countryside of Halifax and largely carried out or completed in the previous calendar year. Winners receive a certificate and a green plaque.
Recent winners have been the Former Magistrates Court and Police Station, Trinity Academy, Duke of Wellington’s Regimental Memorial, conversion of the former Magistrates Court to a Music Trust and Wellbeing Centre and Lister Horsfall Jewellers and Halifax Bus Station.
Halifax Borough Market – Calderdale MBC
The landmark refurbishment of Halifax Borough Market has been recognised with a prestigious Halifax Civic Trust Award, celebrating a £4.5 million scheme that has successfully revitalised one of the town’s most important historic and civic assets.
Completed in late 2025 / early 2026, the project has carefully balanced heritage conservation with contemporary design, ensuring the Grade II* listed market continues to serve as a vibrant centre for commerce, community life and cultural activity. The judging panel praised the scheme as an exemplary piece of heritage-led regeneration, noting its ability to deliver a high-quality public realm within a sensitive historic setting while significantly improving accessibility, sustainability and functionality.
At the heart of the project is a thoughtful and respectful approach to the market’s Victorian heritage. Key historic features, including original stone plinths and traditional paving beneath the central clock, have been carefully retained and reinstated. The use of traditional materials such as ashlar stone kerbs and lime-based mortars reflects best practice in conservation, ensuring that new interventions sit comfortably alongside the historic fabric while reinforcing the building’s architectural integrity for future generations.
A standout feature of the scheme is the transformation of the central clock area into a welcoming focal point for the market. The restored clock in the heart of the market is now framed by high-quality seating, with bespoke cast iron planters, all arranged to make the area welcoming and encourage people to stay longer.
Alongside this sensitive restoration, the scheme has delivered substantial modernisation to support the market’s long-term future. A brighter, renovated roof has improved natural lighting and energy efficiency, making the market more open and inviting. The Albany Arcade has been transformed into a flexible event and trading space, with pop-up stalls supporting independent businesses and diversifying the market’s offer, particularly in food and drink. A new canopy at the Albion Street entrance provides a contemporary architectural feature, improving the sense of arrival, weather protection and the look of the market from this side.
Accessibility and inclusivity have also been key priorities, with upgraded stalls, improved circulation and the introduction of modern facilities ensuring the market is welcoming and usable for all. The judging panel commended the way in which these modern interventions have been integrated without compromising the building’s historic character.
Sustainability has been embedded throughout the scheme. Energy-efficient LED lighting improved thermal performance through roof refurbishment and forward-looking provision for low-carbon heating systems contribute to reduced operational energy demand and support the market’s long-term environmental resilience. Judges highlighted the project as a strong example of how heritage buildings can be adapted to meet contemporary environmental objectives.
The refurbishment is already delivering tangible benefits for Halifax’s wider community and economy. By supporting existing traders, attracting new independent businesses and increasing footfall, the market continues to play a central role in making the town centre attractive to visitors. The inclusion of flexible event space and enhanced lighting — particularly within the Albany Arcade — has enabled a broader programme of events and activities, extending the market’s use beyond traditional trading hours and bringing added vibrancy to the space.
The Civic Trust panel also praised the scheme’s clear focus on community engagement, noting how the redevelopment strengthens the market’s role as a place of gathering, exchange and social interaction. The ability to adapt to changing needs ensures the market remains a dynamic and resilient civic hub.
In their concluding remarks, the judges described the refurbishment as “an exemplary project” distinguished by its care, attention to detail and holistic approach. Every aspect — from materials and craftsmanship to spatial design, lighting, sustainability and community use — has been handled with sensitivity and ambition.
For these reasons, Halifax Civic Trust is delighted to present its Annual Civic Trust Award to Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council and Halifax Borough Market, recognising a project that both safeguards a treasured historic building and reinvents it for a thriving future.
The Award
Alan Goodrum chair of Halifax Civic Trust stated that:
“Calderdale Council should be congratulated on this fine restoration of this wonderful Victorian Building, ensuring it is available for future generations at the heart of the town and adapting it to suit a new audience in the performance space in Albany Arcade. The restored clock and seating provide a wonderful meeting point.”
Presenting the award to the Council was the new Mayor of Calderdale, Cllr Andrew Tagg. Halifax Civic Trust will present the Borough Market with a green plaque at a future unveiling event in the presence of the Mayor.
The Mayor of Calderdale, Cllr Andrew Tagg, said:
“I was delighted to present the Halifax Civic Trust award to the project team involved with the transformation of Halifax Borough Market.
The Civic Trust awards highlight and celebrate the town’s built and natural environment and I’d like to offer my congratulations to everyone involved in the successful transformation of this key town centre building.”
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Corporate Services, Assets and Resources, Cllr Mike Payne, said:
“The Victorian Grade II* listed Borough Market is a key attraction in Halifax town centre and a much-loved destination for residents and visitors.
“The transformation of the building has successfully highlighted and showcased the building’s stunning heritage features, whilst also ensuring the market is fit for the future, with improved heating and lighting systems and better facilities for traders and visitors. The new Albany Arcade area is also increasing the opportunity to host a wider range of events outside of normal market trading hours.
“It’s wonderful that the work has been recognised by the Civic Trust, a fitting way to celebrate the market’s upcoming 130th birthday.”