Halifax Place Vision
We have been talking to people in Calderdale to find out what they want for the future of Halifax.
Phases
Results
Halifax Place Vision Strategy
Public Consultation Survey Results
November 2025
Survey period: 24 July 2025 - 24 August 2025
This report was generated using content created by AI or other automated technologies. Engage (Powered by Go Vocal: Community Engagement Platform) was used to produce this report.
Introduction
Stakeholder engagement is vital for any project. It helps us to understand the needs and requirements of those people who will be using the end product or service.
The Halifax Place Vision Strategy is no exception. Feedback from the client, Calderdale Council, and members of the public it serves is required to establish the brief for the strategy.
Calderdale Council shared an on-line survey, via the Engage platform from 24 July 2025 until 24 August 2025.
The survey was publicised on:
- Social media (on Facebook, X, Bluesky and LinkedIn);
- Calderdale Council website;
- The Engage platform;
- Calderdale Council weekly staff email newsletter and internal communications channels;
- Calderdale Council email mailing lists.
The survey had 805 visits by a total of 561 visitors and 199 surveys were returned.
In addition to the on-line public consultation we have held workshops and meetings with Council members, Council officers, Third Sector Community Groups/Charities and members of Halifax Town Board.
Results
1: Why do you go to Halifax town centre?
- Responded: 197
- Skipped: 2
Overall, leisure activities (62.8%), shopping (59.3%), and work (36.7%) are the most commonly reported reasons for visiting Halifax town centre. Many respondents were also local residents.
Transport links are a factor for some, and a minority visit for specific purposes such as healthcare, volunteering, or cultural activities.
A handful of responses indicate people avoid the town centre altogether, citing reasons such as feeling unsafe or finding it unpleasant and difficult to access due to roadworks.
2: Where is your favourite place in town?
- Responded: 160
- Skipped: 39
We asked responders to drop a pin on their favourite location.
Around 50% of respondents selected a location at or very near the coordinates **[-1.856919, 53.7219432]**, which corresponds to The Piece Hall in Halifax town centre.
Others choose a variety of places, mainly within the town centre core.
3: Why is this your favourite place?
- Responded: 160
- Skipped: 39
This question had a free text option for responses.
In summary, the majority of respondents chose their favourite place in Halifax town centre because it serves as a vibrant community hub with attractive architecture, a lively atmosphere, diverse events and entertainment/food/drink options, and good amenities. Green spaces and accessibility are also valued. A minority expressed dissatisfaction or chose places outside the centre due to negative perceptions.
4: What kind of town should Halifax be?
- Responded: 193
- Skipped: 6
Almost every respondent selected the same four options, though the order sometimes varied:
- A clean, safe and secure town
- A happy and healthy town
- A welcoming and hopeful town
- A liveable town
Respondents overwhelmingly agree that Halifax should be a clean, safe and secure, happy and healthy, welcoming and hopeful, and liveable town. There is a strong consensus on these four qualities as the desired vision for Halifax's future.
5: How would you like to hear people describe Halifax?
- Responded: 186
- Skipped: 13
The overwhelming majority of respondents want Halifax to be described as a town that is proud of its culture and heritage, forward-looking and innovative, creative and lively, community-driven, accessible to all, and environmentally sustainable.
There is broad agreement on these aspirations across age groups and backgrounds.
6: What needs to improve in Halifax?
- Responded: 196
- Skipped: 3
In summary, the dominant themes are: empty/underused spaces and properties; a fragmented and uninviting town centre; safety concerns; lack of vibrancy; poor accessibility; insufficient green spaces; underwhelming town edges; and frustration with roadworks and transport. These issues are seen as interconnected and collectively contribute to a less appealing experience of Halifax.
7: What are the biggest opportunities for Halifax?
- Responded: 193
- Skipped: 6
Respondents overwhelmingly see the biggest opportunities for Halifax as: revitalising neglected spaces; getting fundamental aspects right (cleanliness, safety, maintenance); fostering community-led initiatives; improving green spaces and accessibility; and promoting Halifax’s assets and creative spirit. There is strong support for practical improvements alongside ambitions for a more vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable town centre.
8: Which parts of Vision 2034 should we focus on for Halifax?
- Responded: 193
- Skipped: 6
Respondents support a focus for Halifax’s to focus on Calderdale's Vision 2034 through: heritage and history; being a welcoming and inclusive place; creating opportunities (especially economic); and supporting enterprise.
There is also support for enhancing nature/green spaces and fostering creativity. Values like kindness and hope are also present but less prevalent.
Questions 9 – 15 were specific questions about the demographics of respondents.
9: What is your age?
- Responded: 196
- Skipped: 3
10: Do you consider yourself to have a disability or long-term health condition?
- Responded: 195
- Skipped: 4
11: What is your sex?
- Responded: 195
- Skipped: 4
12: Is your gender identity the same as your sex registered at birth?
- Responded: 193
- Skipped: 6
13: Which of the following best describes your sexual orientation?
- Responded: 194
- Skipped: 5
14: What is your ethnic background?
- Responded: 194
- Skipped: 5
15: What is your religion or belief?
- Responded: 194
- Skipped: 5
Conclusion
The Halifax Place Vision Strategy will outline a holistic, 20-year strategy for Halifax, guiding growth and development up to 2045. The document will include a shared vision of priorities for Calderdale Council and the people of Halifax.
The views captured in this survey will be further analysed. Alongside other stakeholder session feedback these results will inform short, medium and long-term objectives, guide decision-making, and align investment. These objectives will then be used to ensure that the Place Vision Strategy provides a clear roadmap for how Halifax can harness its strengths to grow a resilient, inclusive and future-ready town centre—one that works for everyone, now and for generations to come.
The Halifax Place Vision Strategy will be presented at Cabinet for approval in January 2026. Once approved the document will be made available to view on the council website and shared on this platform.
We would like to thank everyone who took part for taking the time to complete the survey.
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