Key details
Through UK Government funding, we're updating this iconic Victorian market. We're creating a warmer and more welcoming place for people to shop, eat, drink and spend time.
Current status
On this page
Plans
We are making improvements to both outside and inside the market, these plans include changes to:
Roof
We're refurbishing the main roof to make the market warmer, watertight and allow more natural light into the building. As part of this work we've redecorated the ceiling and wrought iron fixtures in tones of blue, green, gold and cream.
Access
We’ve installed new automatic doors and overdoor heaters at each of the market’s entrances. These changes make the market more accessible and secure.
We’re also installing new automatic sliding doors at the market arcade entrance to replace four of the heavy, free-swinging doors. We’re repairing and preserving the two original outer doors (revealing previously hidden details), re-glazing the archway and redecorating it to match the new colour scheme.
Wayfinding
We’re fitting new signs at each market entrance to promote the traders and events on offer at Halifax Borough Market. We’re also replacing the old halogen lights with new energy efficient LED lighting.
Albany Arcade
We’ve improved Albany Arcade for use as an events space during and outside of normal market trading hours.
We have installed new sound and lighting equipment and enhanced the pop-up stalls in this section. In addition, we have replaced the public toilets with new unisex toilet facilities.
Albion Street
We're removing the existing canopies and refreshing the shopfronts with new signs and retractable awnings. We've added a new steel and glass canopy above the entrance to improve the market's presence along this side.
Stalls
We’ve introduced sample stalls for traders to test and provide feedback. The final design will allow traders to choose from a selection of storage and display elements to be rolled out to vacant stalls.
Central Clock
We’ve opened up the area to showcase the iconic clock that sits beneath the domed roof. We’ve added seating in this space with display boards showcasing the market’s unique history to follow. The seating forms an octagon shape around the cast iron clock. This is a nod to the Victorian market's past, with this area originally designed for eight central stalls.
We've redecorated the clock and the four dragons that guard it . The new colour scheme complements the wider redecoration of the market.
We've also added four cast iron planters complete with trees, bringing a touch of greenery to the space.
Connectivity
We’ve installed wifi internet for customers and traders to use.
Benefits
Economic Growth
We’re creating opportunities for Halifax high street to grow and thrive. These changes support current and future market traders and will increase the number of visitors.
Heritage
We’re preserving this Victorian market to ensure that it can be used and enjoyed for many more years to come.
Community
We’re creating a place where people can continue to support their local community through shopping at their local market.
Sustainability
We’re making changes to create a warmer, more energy efficient building.
Progress
20 August 2025
Completion of the roof marks high point in the market's transformation making the market warmer, watertight, more energy efficient and allowing more natural light into the building.
9 July 2025
Four new trees have been planted in the bespoke cast iron planters around the central clock. The area has been transformed with improvements including new seating, new paving, bespoke joinery and refurbishment of the iconic clock .
16 May 2025
Lower carbon and cost savings for Borough Market.
Calderdale Council has secured funding of £5.1 million from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme to replace fossil fuel gas heating systems in four Council-owned buildings, with low-carbon heat pumps.
1 May 2025
Work on Albany Arcade complete.
18 December 2024
New traders at Halifax Borough Market have moved into the sample stalls which include new storage and display features.
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. This area has already successfully hosted events, including part of the Halifax Comedy Festival.
Along Albion Street, work has taken place to renovate the shop fronts of two vacant units. The remaining shops will be refreshed in the new year, including new signs and retractable awnings.
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.
In the centre of the market, power has been restored to the iconic clock and new paving has been installed in this area. Improvements to follow in the new year include: seating, bespoke planters and display boards showcasing the market’s unique history.
As part of the wayfinding improvements, a contractor has been appointed to install new signage, including digital totems to promote the traders and events on offer.
5 November 2024
Improvements are continuing with new railings and gates now installed in The Albany Arcade as part of work to create a new event space.
In the centre of the market, the clock's power supply connections have been upgraded and new paving is being laid.
In the market arcade, double glazed roof panels have been fitted and this area has also been redecorated to match the market's new colour scheme.
Next to the market arcade entrance, both new sample stalls will soon have tenants in place to try out the updated designs and provide feedback. The stalls include improved storage elements with one stall equipped for selling hot food.
8 August 2024
Market improvements are taking shape with the installation of the new canopy at the Albion Street entrance now complete. The steel and glass canopy provides a welcoming and striking new look along this side of the market.
Market trader facilities have been upgraded, this includes the installation of four new unisex toilets.
In the Albany Arcade, work is underway to transform this area into a new event space. Acoustic panels have been installed to improve the sound quality, with audio and visual equipment to follow at a later date. The concrete section of the stage area has been removed and work is progressing on the foundations for the new bespoke gates.
Work to replace the roof is progressing, new double glazed panels have been installed in the north east section and the redecoration of this area is also complete. Scaffolding is now being moved to the final section in the south east corner.
In the centre of the market, the iconic clock has been redecorated to complement the wider redecoration of the market. The clock hands have been refurbished and the lanterns have been re-glazed, replacing the old Perspex panes. The clock remains out of action whilst work continues here.
Four bespoke cast iron planters are in production, these will hold semi-tropical trees and will be placed around the clock. The new planters are being created locally by Hargreaves Foundry.
2 July 2024
We're completing the installation of the new canopy at the Albion Street entrance. Whilst we carry out this work the Albion Street entrance will be temporarily closed from:
- Tuesday 2 July until Friday 5 July;
- and Monday 8 July until Friday 12 July.
Halifax Borough Market remains open as normal along with all other entrances.
March 2024
Listed building consent has been approved to install new signs at the market. These will help people find their way around and promote the traders and events on offer. Listed building consent has also been received to transform The Albany Arcade into a new event space.
We're installing a new canopy at the Albion Street entrance, and we're also repairing the paving in this area. This means that the Albion Street entrance will be temporarily closed from 8 April to 30 April. Halifax Borough Market will remain open as normal.
January 2024
The public toilets in The Albany Arcade have been upgraded and are now open for use.
December 2023
It's been a year of great progress towards the transformation of this Victorian market.
Listed building consent has been received for the improvements around the clock and plans to install new automatic sliding doors at the market arcade entrance which will replace four of the heavy, free swinging doors. Listed building consent has been submitted to install new signs at the market as part of plans to help people find their way around and promote the traders and events on offer.
Along Albion Street, the outdoor canopy has been removed following planning permission and listed building consent. This is to make way for new signs, retractable awnings and a steel and glass canopy above the entrance.
Next to the market arcade entrance, the sample stall foundations and steel frames have been installed. Once completed, traders will be able to test out the new design and provide feedback.
In The Albany Arcade, work is nearing completion to upgrade the public toilets and listed building consent has been submitted to transform the area into a new event space.
Work to replace the roof continues and is progressing well, with some sections already complete and being put to the test by the winter weather. This image of the roof shows the difference between the new and old sections, with the new double glazed panels covered in snow next to the old panels where the snow has melted due to heat loss. Once complete the new roof will make the market warmer, watertight, more energy efficient, and allow more natural light into the building.
August 2023
Work to transform the historic Halifax Borough Market continues.
Planning permission and listed building consent have been received for the Albion Street improvements.
Listed building consent applications have been submitted as part of plans to upgrade the historic doors at the market arcade entrance and improvements to the area around the clock tower.
Roof renovations are progressing well. The dome section above the central clock is now complete and includes clear glass panels and newly decorated steel structures.
June 2023
Wifi installation is complete. Traders and visitors to the market now have access to free, high speed internet.
May 2023
Planning application submitted for the changes along Albion Street and the work around the central clock.
March 2023
Tenders for the public and trader toilet refurbishments have been returned and evaluated. The contract has been awarded to IAG Developments Ltd.
August 2022
Re-roofing starts at Halifax Borough Market this month. The milestone marks the start of the first major project funded by the Future High Street Fund in Halifax.
The contract for the work has been awarded to local company IAG Developments Ltd. The Queensbury based contractor is familiar with the market. They completed similar roofing works in the Albany Arcade section of the market, and the re-roofing and external works to the Market Street elevation.
The £2.3m contract will take around 18 months to complete. The work starts 22 August 2022 and will be undertaken in 5 phases to minimise disruption.
We’ve ensured that erection of scaffolding at the market is planned to take place outside of normal trading hours to minimise disruption. Surplus fittings will be removed prior to the start of trading each morning and lighting will be provided to make up for the light blocked out by scaffolding.
The works will address a number of issues highlighted by tenants.
Funding
Approximate scheme value: £4.40M.
This project was made possible through funding from:
