‘Use time wisely to plan for the future’
TOURISM chiefs aim to keep Yorkshire’s attractions on the map during the coronavirus crisis.
The chief executive of Halifax’s Piece Hall Trust, Nicky ChanceThompson, said the pandemic had been devastating for the tourism industry – and those who rely on it for their livelihood.
However, she praised Welcome To Yorkshire’s work so far in keeping the flag flying and said the enforced time-out should be used to plan how to fight back after restrictions are lifted.
In the case of the 18th century Grade I-listed Piece Hall, that means helping its tenants during the crisis and ensuring the attraction, which has brought millions of visitors to Calderdale since the landmark reopened after refurbishment in 2017, was in a position to boost the borough’s economy when the coronavirus pandemic is over.
Raising morale was also important, with Welcome To Yorkshire’s ‘World Cup of Iconic Buildings’ proving highly popular. It was won by the Piece Hall.
Ms Chance-Thompson said: “We are going to lose visitors and income and it is devastating for a lot of us.
“It is bad for everybody but gives us all the opportunity to pause, reset and think about priorities for a while, and work collaboratively to understand what it is we want people to come back to.
“That’s why I am keen to keep the Piece Hall alive in people’s minds and in their hearts.”
Promoting a virtual Piece Hall over the coming weeks and possibly months is one way the trust aims to support its tenants and maintain its profile.
“We’re trying to recreate the Piece Hall virtually and remind people of the great things we have done here,” said Ms Chance-Thompson.
The Piece Hall had lined up some exciting concerts this summer which have had to be re-scheduled.
The Manic Street Preachers, The Specials, Richard Hawley, Shed
Seven and The Kaiser Chiefs were all set to rock the historic venue.
“What I want is to be able to resuscitate the Piece Hall quickly. We see it as a lifeline to Halifax once it’s over,” said Ms Chance-Thompson.
“My intention is to keep it going in slumber then kickstart the economy of Calderdale really quickly.”
It had been a very difficult decision to close the Piece Hall gates but although people had been moving around the Piece Hall safely, there was the fear it would attract people to break the lockdown regulations.