Leeds-based consultancy Turner and Townsend (T&T) has been appointed by Calderdale Council to project manage plans for the transformation of Piece Hall, Halifax.

Earlier this year, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) announced that an initial £240,000 had been granted to help the council draw up a detailed application for a full grant of £7m towards the scheme. The council is now looking to an appoint an architect-led design team to develop a vision for the redevelopment, which will see a European-style piazza created in the Grade I-listed courtyard.

Pauline Nash, the council's cabinet member for safer and stronger communities, said: "This appointment marks the start of an exciting new phase in the transformation of the Piece Hall. "The project team will now begin the real work to set out a sustainable and viable business plan for the future of the building. This will be at the heart of our bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund."

T&T director Michael Lumb added: "Working on the Piece Hall is a fantastic opportunity for us to support Calderdale Council in restoring and regenerating this unique historic building." Image: Artist's impression of Piece Hall - Iain Denby