Award-winning actor, writer and director Reece Dinsdale says he is bringing together a group of supporters and potential partners to explore how Halifax’s Square Chapel Arts Centre can be saved
The actor who was born, raised and still lives in West Yorkshire said returning the Halifax town centre Grade II-listed venue to community use would be a priority.
A long-standing patron of Square Chapel Arts Centre, he is fronting a renewed effort to secure the future of the iconic Halifax venue, which closed suddenly in February last year.
Following this, the Save Square Chapel Campaign has kept up pressure including a petition to get the centre re-opened to the public, including lobbying Calderdale’s councillors and MPs.
Last month Arts Council England, which has a charge on the building relating to a previous capital award given to the centre, said the arts centre was to be marketed.
Arts Council England (ACE)sad it is “committed to try and return the building to cultural use” but the Save Square Chapel Campaign group believe currently this is not guaranteed.
Mr Dinsdale – who has recently directed episodes of Coronation Street and Emmerdale – was at the group’s annual meeting last Thursday.
He is now in discussions with a number of individuals and organisations about what can be done to protect the building and create a sustainable future for it as an arts and community venue.
Among those involved in the discussions is Halifax businessman Andrew Hawley, who has more than 35 years’ experience in the construction and built-environment sector and also has a background in the arts, being involved in a number of community organisations across Calderdale.
Mr Dinsdale said he is also in talks with Anthony Hegney, a Halifax-born businessman who has over three decades of experience in hospitality including experience of running some of Britain’s most popular attractions such as the National Media Museum at Bradford, Wakefield’s Nostell Priory and the John Smiths Stadium, now ACCU Stadium, at Huddersfield.
Mr Hawley was also among supporters who attended the Save Square Chapel Arts Centre annual meeting.
Mr Dinsdale became a patron of Square Chapel in 2017 and says he is now using his profile, connections and knowledge of the arts to help bring together people who could potentially play a role in securing Square Chapel’s future.
He said: “Square Chapel is far too important to Halifax to simply disappear.
“It has been an extraordinary home for theatre, film, music, comedy, community groups and emerging talent, and I know how much it means to people across the town and beyond.”
Mr Dinsdale said the building is now at a crucial point in its history.
“It is on the market, so we have to explore every possible avenue and bring together the right people to see whether we can create a viable future for it.
“There are some very good people around the table and some exciting conversations taking place.
“Nothing has been decided and there is a lot of work still to do, but I am determined to see what can be achieved.
“Square Chapel has a future.
“We now need to work together to find the right way to make that future happen.”
Mr Hawley said the overwhelming support from the local community, along with the commitment from patrons like Reece Dinsdale and experienced local figures, shows just how much Square Chapel means to Calderdale.
“We are working tirelessly to turn that community passion into a viable, long term business plan.
“This iconic building belongs at the heart of Halifax’s cultural and social life, and we warmly invite anyone who shares that vision to get involved and help us secure its future.”
The discussions are at an early stage and no purchase or operating agreement has been reached, they noted.
The immediate focus is on exploring potential partnerships, funding opportunities, governance arrangements and a sustainable operating model capable of returning Square Chapel to use as a thriving arts and community venue.
The campaign is also keen to hear from people across Halifax, Calderdale and beyond who have ideas, expertise or resources that could help secure the future of the building.
In late spring His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) issued a winding-up order on the owners of Square Chapel Arts Centre, Square Chapel CIC (Community Interest Company).
The order forces the company to close down and go into voluntary liquidation.
The receiver appointed by Arts Council England (ACE) – Watling Real Estate – in inviting offers, and there are limits on what Square Chapel can be used for.