IPM visit to The Piece Hall highlights the power of music in place
Colleagues from the Institute of Place Management recently visited The Piece Hall, Halifax joining Chief Executive Nicky Chance-Thompson to explore how culture and creative activity are reshaping Halifax town centre.
The visit brought together Dr Jenny Kanellopoulou, Rach Nickeas, and IPM Fellow Diane Dunkley, offering valuable insight into how this historic site has become a leading example of culture-led regeneration.
The visit also coincided with the recent appointment of Diane Dunkley- a graduate of Manchester Metropolitan University’s MSc in Place Management - as a Trustee of The Piece Hall. This reflects the growing influence of place management in shaping cultural and economic leadership within towns and cities.
Recent economic impact findings show The Piece Hall has generated an estimated £680 million over the past decade and attracted 20 million visits, with millions of visitors drawn into Calderdale from outside the area. Just as importantly, the venue has strengthened confidence, identity and reputation, with 90% of residents recognising its importance to the town.
However, beyond these headline figures, the more significant story is how The Piece Hall has contributed to confidence, identity and reputation - key components of successful places and central to the Government’s emerging Creative Industries Sector Plan within the Industrial Strategy.
- 90% of residents believe the Piece Hall is important to Halifax’s economy and image
- The site supports around 120 jobs, with strong local employment benefits
- Cultural programming has strengthened Halifax’s position as a visitor and creative destination
This reinforces a growing body of evidence that creative activity is not an add-on to place - it is a core economic function.
Discussions focused on the role of music, events and creative programming in driving footfall and supporting the early evening economy - particularly the challenge of ensuring activity spills into the wider town centre, benefiting local businesses and extending dwell time.
The visit comes at a time when Government is developing a new High Street Strategy, with growing recognition that creative communities, cultural programming and anchor venues will play a central role in future town centre vitality, alongside the ambitions set out in the Industrial Strategy and Creative Industries Sector Plan.
IPM will explore these themes further at an online event on 22 April, focusing on the relationship between music and place, and how towns and cities can use cultural activity to support high street vitality.
About the author
Formed in 2006, the Institute of Place Management is the international professional body that supports people committed to developing, managing and making places better.