The Piece Hall — Yorkshire’s Grand Georgian Marketplace

A Monument to Commerce and Creativity

In the heart of Halifax, The Piece Hall stands as one of Britain’s most remarkable Georgian buildings — a vast open-air courtyard surrounded by elegant arcades.

Built in 1779 for the trading of “pieces” of cloth, it once bustled with merchants and weavers from across Yorkshire. Today, it’s been reborn as a cultural hub of art, music, and independent retail — a stunning blend of history and modern life.

A Story of Industry and Transformation

The Piece Hall was originally created for the handloom weavers of the West Riding, who sold lengths of woollen cloth known as “pieces.” Each of the 315 trading rooms around the courtyard belonged to a different merchant.

It symbolised Halifax’s prosperity during the textile boom — an era when Yorkshire’s craftsmanship led the world.

By the 19th century, with industrialisation reshaping trade, the hall’s purpose evolved. It served as a market, warehouse, and even a fire station. However, after decades of decline, it underwent an extraordinary £19 million restoration and reopened in 2017 as a vibrant public space once again.

Exploring The Piece Hall
1. The Architecture

Designed in classical Georgian style, The Piece Hall features arcaded galleries, grand staircases, and golden sandstone walls that glow in the Yorkshire sunlight.
In addition, the huge central courtyard — the size of a football pitch — makes it one of the most dramatic civic squares in Europe.

2. Shops, Galleries, and Events

Today, the building is home to boutiques, cafés, studios, and artisan shops, offering everything from handmade jewellery to local art.
Therefore, it’s not just a monument to history — it’s a living part of Halifax’s community.
The Piece Hall also hosts concerts, festivals, and outdoor theatre throughout the year, attracting visitors from across the country.

3. The Piece Hall Story

The Piece Hall Story exhibition, located on-site, brings the building’s history to life through interactive displays and artefacts. Visitors can learn about the people who traded here and the global legacy of Yorkshire’s textile industry.

Learn more at the official Piece Hall website

Visiting The Piece Hall
How to Get There

By Car: Blackledge, Halifax HX1 1RE. Parking available nearby at Woolshops and Eureka! car parks.

By Train: The Piece Hall is a 5-minute walk from Halifax Station.

By Bus: Regular services stop at Halifax Bus Station, a short walk away.

Opening Hours & Admission

Open daily (hours vary by season). Entry is free.

Facilities

Restaurants and cafés on-site

Visitor information centre

Accessible entrances and lifts

Public toilets and baby-changing facilities

Nearby Attractions

Halifax Minster: A medieval church with stunning architecture.

Eureka! The National Children’s Museum: Family-friendly learning and play.

Shibden Hall: Historic home of Anne Lister, set in lovely parkland.

Hebden Bridge: A creative market town filled with galleries and shops.

Together, these create a rich West Yorkshire heritage trail.

Why Visit The Piece Hall?

The Piece Hall is more than a landmark — it’s a symbol of Yorkshire’s creativity and resilience. From its origins in the wool trade to its modern revival, it captures the spirit of innovation that defines this region.

Whether you’re browsing the shops, enjoying a concert, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, The Piece Hall offers a perfect blend of heritage and contemporary charm.