New traders at Halifax Borough Market are making use of the new type of stalls installed as part of wider improvements at the historic building.
Work is continuing on the £4.5million Future High Streets Fund project to update the Victorian market, helping to secure its thriving future as a focal point for shopping, business and leisure in Halifax.
As part of improvement work, two new, modern stalls have been designed, using feedback from existing stallholders. These new units have various storage and display options and two new traders have now moved into the market, using the new stalls.
Farina from Home Cuisines, who sells fresh Asian cuisine, and toy seller Luke from Randomz UK have started trading from the new types of stalls and feedback has been really positive.
Farina said:
“The new stall is amazing, and it’s great for people to see everything that I’m cooking and selling. The fact that it’s metal makes it so easy and convenient, I don’t need to drill or stick anything on the walls. The lights are amazing. I simply love it.
“What attracted me to Halifax Borough Market is that the market is close to me. It’s good to work with the people here as well because they make you really feel comfortable. It’s a lovely, beautiful place!”
Luke commented:
“What attracted me to Halifax Borough Market are the rates – it’s cheaper than anywhere around. The Market Manager has been a great help. I had a chat with him and next thing you know, here I am! And the people here are all really friendly.
“The new stall is absolutely perfect for me because it’s not too big and there’s enough space for what I need. We can talk to people and also bring them in and show them our stock. It’s very safe and secure.”
The new stalls are just one of the many improvements taking place in the market. The transformation of The Albany Arcade is almost complete, with new sound and lighting equipment to be installed early in the new year, allowing it to be used as an event space with pop-up stalls outside of normal market trading hours. The area has already hosted events, including part of the Halifax Comedy Festival, and more are planned. It’s also available to hire, at https://new.calderdale.gov.uk/communities/venues/albany-arcade(external link)
Other latest milestones include:
- The renovation of two vacant shop fronts along Albion Street. Existing shops are also due to be refreshed with new signs and retractable awnings in the new year.
- The refurbishment of the roof. Work on the final section of the roof is progressing well and the roof works are due to be finished in spring 2025, making the market warmer, watertight and allowing more natural light into the building.
- Work to showcase the iconic clock that sits beneath the domed roof. The new paving is now complete with seating, bespoke planters and display boards showcasing the market’s unique history being added to this space in the new year.
- A contractor has been appointed to install new wayfinding signage including digital display screens to promote the traders and events on offer.
Cllr Silvia Dacre, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Resources, said:
“As we reach the end of a busy year of work at Halifax Borough Market, we’re really seeing how the improvements are benefitting the market for shoppers and traders. This includes new retail and food units, using the new type of stalls and expanding upon the already great shopping opportunities available.
“2025 is set to be a really special year for the market as we see the culmination of works and exciting new opportunities, including expanding the events offer using the newly transformed Albany Arcade.”
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Transport, Cllr Sarah Courtney, said:
“The transformation of the Grade II* listed Halifax Borough Market is reaching the final stages. The improvements both inside and outside the market are really highlighting the building’s many stunning heritage features and making the market a more welcoming place. I’m particularly impressed with the roof refurbishment, which is almost complete and has really transformed the look and feel of the building.
“Much of the work will now be paused for the year, to support the busy Christmas trading period, but will resume in the new year with an exciting year of milestone moments ahead.”
Think you know Halifax? Think again. It’s an inspiring time for Halifax. Discover your part in it(external link). For more information about the Halifax Future High Streets Fund works, including work on the Borough Market, visit Halifax Future High Streets | Calderdale Next Chapter(external link)
The many advantages of shopping at local markets, is being highlighted in the Council’s ‘Christmas Under One Roof’ campaign – an important part of the Council priority for thriving towns and places across the borough. The festive campaign showcases the wide range of stalls on offer at the market through films on social media, local adverts and on the Calderdale markets web page(external link)