Removing the hoardings that have provided the backdrop to the likes of Grace Jones and Blondie
Piece Hall in Halifax is a Grade I Listed building and the world’s only surviving Georgian cloth hall of its kind. In 2017 it underwent a multi-million pound renovation to create a cultural hub that has been attributed with not only reinvigorating the hall but the wider Halifax area. It boasts a gallery, a 66,000 sq ft open air courtyard, and many shops, bars, and restaurants.
As well as providing a vibrant cultural and leisure destination, from June to August each year it also becomes a live event venue, hosting around 35 shows and events over the summer months. That’s where we come in. For the last two seasons, we’ve helped to transform the venue into a world class arena, which this year has hosted the likes of Fatboy Slim, Tom Jones, and The Streets.
Transforming an 18th century cloth hall into a music venue with hoarding and graphics
Outdoor hoarding was installed throughout the venue to create zones, including backstage areas, and graphics were applied to create an exciting, vibrant atmosphere, worthy of a venue hosting such talented artists. It also had to communicate key information such as wayfinding, information about the independent traders there, and insights into the heritage of the building.
The project was technically challenging in parts with uneven surfaces, steep inclines, and working around steps and pillars. All in a day’s work of course, and it looked amazing.
Now for the takedown
Sadly, the summer concert season is now drawing to a close and the hoarding must be removed again and the hall restored exactly as it was before it started. Once the final show has taken place, we’re going in this week to take the hoarding to ‘pieces’ and clear the space ready for autumn.
As you would expect when working with such a historic building, due to the design of the system there will be no trace that it was ever there, leaving the space immaculate. And, just as the artists that move on to their next shows, the hoarding will proceed to its next project because it’s fully reusable and will endure for many years – not unlike Piece Hall itself!