Rosie Winterton, the Government Minister for Yorkshire and Humber, visited the Piece Hall as part of a tour round Halifax.

The Minister was invited to Halifax by Linda so she could see at first hand the key economic, social and cultural issues in the town centre.

Rosie was briefed about proposed developments at the Piece Hall and was shown the acrhietect's plans, prior to visiting the Westgate Retail Arcade and the award winning redevelopment of Somerset House.

Linda said: "The Piece Hall is the economic and social heart of Halifax Town Centre. Its regeneration is vital in helping to move Halifax forward.

"I am delighted that the Regional Minister visited the town and I am sure she was impressed by all the hard work that's going on to regenerate Halifax."

Rosie Winterton said: "I would like to thank Linda for this invitation to see and hear how Halifax is being regenerated.

"It is clear that much progress has already been made on projects across Calderdale thanks to investment including £15 million pounds already received through the Heritage Lottery Fund. This is a good example of partners at national, regional and local level working together effectively."

The Piece Hall is currently subject to a major batch application to the Heritage Lottery Fund which would see the landmark Georgian building rejuvenated as a regional heritage attraction. This would complement a proposed extension of the adjacent, independent Square Chapel Centre for the Arts.