The Piece Hall Trust has announced a further eleven independent retail outlets that will be open for business when the Grade 1 listed building reopens to the public on 1 August.
In a nod to its proud heritage as a cloth hall, two new women’s fashion shops will launch at The Piece Hall. Jitterbug Jean is a women’s vintage boutique, specialising in the popular 1950s rockabilly fashion trend which has gained a cult following in recent years. The business, which will occupy a 294 sq ft space, will offer a quirky range of dresses, skirts, shops, shoes and bags. The new shop is the first business venture for owner Sharon Clegg, who commented:
“I’m Halifax born and bred, so The Piece Hall has always been special to me, as it has to all Haligonians. My mum used to bring me here as a child, and when I was growing up I’d visit the markets and gigs that were held here. I’ve worked in a department store for ten years, and although I did really enjoy my job, I’d always wanted to open my own vintage shop as it’s a personal passion of mine. When I heard that The Piece Hall was reopening it seemed like the perfect fit; it’s a beautiful building and I think it’ll draw in both locals and tourists. I’m so excited to be a part of it.”
Also joining the style offering is House of 925 which has taken up a 294 sq ft unit. The boutique is already established online and aims to create ‘affordable, fashionable pieces for the 9-2-5 grind’.
Sweet-toothed shoppers will be able to enjoy not one, but two confectionary shops in the newly refurbished building. Spogs & Spice have taken a 392 sq ft space which will transport customers back to their childhood with a delicious range of traditional sweet treats, as well as a personalised sweets and gifts service. Visitors can also indulge the artisan offering of The Chocolate Box; specialists in handmade Belgian chocolates, French truffles and English chocolates who will be located in a 196 sq ft space on the ‘Rustic’ level. Gin connoisseurs Gin Lane will take up 1,078 sq ft of space open a speciality drinking establishment, and a separate wine and spirit shop, under the same brand. Brown Paper Bag will occupy a 392 sq ft unit on the ‘Rustic’ level which will supply gifts and crafts.
The Piece Hall Trust will be opening three units of its own in the heritage building, taking over 980 sq ft of space. The Deli will offer diners artisan food and drink from the best local producers and traditional ice cream parlour Blondin’s – named after French tightrope walker Charles Blondin, who famously tightrope walked the length of The Piece Hall – will be located on the ‘Rustic’ level. The Piece Hall Gallery (550 sq ft) and The Piece Hall Shop (350 sq ft) will offer a range of bespoke products featuring the work of some of Yorkshire’s finest artists and makers.
Nicky Chance-Thompson, Chief Executive of The Piece Hall Trust commented: “We’re thrilled that such a diverse range of independent businesses are flocking to be a part of The Piece Hall. This new tenant announcement means that The Piece Hall will be around 50 per cent let on opening, with plenty for visitors to see and do. We’re well on our way to realising our vision to make The Piece Hall a fantastic shopping destination.”
