George Square - Halifax Future High Streets

Key details

We're making George Square and George Street safer, more welcoming, and greener spaces for all to enjoy. 

Funded by the UK Government.

Current status

Concept Completed
Development In Progress
Construction Pending
Evaluation Pending

Plans

High streets lie at the heart of communities and the local economy, creating jobs and nurturing small businesses. We're improving accessibility with a balanced streetscape where people can move around freely and safely, supporting our aspirations for an inclusive and vibrant local economy. Wider footways, upgraded crossings, and parking bays in better locations will help make George Square and George Street easier to use for everyone.

A more welcoming environment

We're widening footways. This will allow businesses the option to provide outdoor seating for serving food and drinks. There will be better located loading facilities and disabled parking in front of shops too.

A greener square

Already home to several cherry trees, we're making George Square greener by introducing new trees and areas for planting. This will improve the space, making it a more attractive place to relax and spend time.

A new social space 

We have removed the public toilets at George Square (next to the Grade II listed Lloyds Bank building), creating a new social space, and supporting a vibrant town centre economy.

Visualisation of proposals from the west end of George Street.
Visualisation of the proposals from the west end of George Street.

Part of a bigger picture

The George Square project will complement upgrades already delivered for Halifax as part of the A629 phase 2 Halifax town centre project.

 

Benefits

The aims of the project are:

  • safer, cleaner and more accessible streets,
  • a greener, more attractive environment,
  • supporting a vibrant local economy, and 
  • value for money.

 

Progress 

21 July 2026

This page updated with new 3D visualisations and details about the project to better reflect the plans. 

24 October 2024

Demolition of the public toilets at George Square will start on Monday 28 October 2024. This work will prepare the area ready for construction which is expected to begin in summer 2025. 

August 2024

To mitigate impact in the town centre, we’re delivering this project as part of the A629 Phase 2 Halifax town centre project programme.

December 2023

Plans are progressing to transform George Square and George Street, with demolition notices in place for the public toilets at George Square. 

Funding

Approximate scheme value: £1.90M.

This project was made possible through funding from:

  • Funded by UK Government