Actor and long-standing Patron, Reece Dinsdale fronts new campaign to save Halifax’s Square Chapel Arts Centre
Photo credit: Reece Dinsdale in the cinema/studio space at Square Chapel (photo by Ant Robling)
Reece Dinsdale leads Square Chapel rescue mission: “It’s time to bring it home”
Award-Winning Actor, Writer and Director Reece Dinsdale is bringing together a group of supporters and potential partners to explore how Halifax’s much-loved Square Chapel Arts Centre can be saved and returned to community use.
Reece Dinsdale, a long-standing patron of Square Chapel Arts Centre, who was born, raised and still lives in West Yorkshire, is fronting a renewed effort to secure the future of the iconic Halifax venue.
Dinsdale is currently in discussions with a number of individuals and organisations about what can be done to protect the building and create a sustainable future for it as an arts and community venue.
Among those involved in the discussions is Halifax businessman Andrew Hawley, who has more than 35 years’ experience in the construction and built-environment sector, with particular expertise in energy efficiency, estates and business development. Hawley, who also has a background in the arts, is also involved in a number of community organisations across Calderdale.
Dinsdale is also in talks with Anthony Hegney, a Halifax-born businessman who has over three decades of experience in hospitality. Hegney has a wealth of knowledge in determining what works and what doesn’t in an exciting and challenging industry. He has a wealth of experience in commercial strategy and hands of experience of running some of Britain’s most popular attractions including: the National Media Museum (Bradford); Nostell Priory (National Trust, Wakefield); The Science Museum (London); The Sage Gateshead (Tyne & Wear); and John Smiths Stadium now ACCU Stadium (Huddersfield) to name but a few.
Dinsdale and Hawley were among supporters who attended the Save Square Chapel Arts Centre AGM in Halifax on Thursday 24 September, with people joining both in person and via Zoom to discuss the venue’s future.
The development comes at a critical moment for Square Chapel. The Grade II listed building, which underwent a £6.6 million redevelopment and reopened as a multi-use arts centre in 2017, has been closed to the public since February 2025.
The building is now on the market through Watling Real Estate, following action by Arts Council England and the appointment of a Receiver. The marketing material makes clear that the building is being offered as a whole and that ACE is interested in working with prospective bidders seeking to maintain its cultural use.
The Save Square Chapel campaign has continued to press for the venue to return to community and cultural use. More than 3,000 people signed an Equity petition calling for the venue to be saved, while campaigners have organised public meetings, demonstrations and other events to maintain pressure for its reopening.
Reece Dinsdale became a patron of Square Chapel in 2017. His career spans more than four decades as an actor and director, with credits including I.D, Threads, Home to Roost, Spooks, Life on Mars, Coronation Street and Emmerdale. He has an extensive track record in theatre including at The National Theatre, Leeds Playhouse and Manchester Royal Exchange to name but a few. He trained at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and has maintained strong links with Yorkshire and the North.
Dinsdale is now using his profile, connections and knowledge of the arts to help bring together people who could potentially play a role in securing Square Chapel's future.
Reece Dinsdale said: “Square Chapel is far too important to Halifax to simply disappear. It has been an extraordinary home for theatre, film, music, comedy, community groups and emerging talent, and I know how much it means to people across the town and beyond.
“The building is now at a crucial point in its history. It is on the market, so we have to explore every possible avenue and bring together the right people to see whether we can create a viable future for it.
“There are some very good people around the table and some exciting conversations taking place. Nothing has been decided and there is a lot of work still to do, but I am determined to see what can be achieved.
“Square Chapel has a future. We now need to work together to find the right way to make that future happen.”
Other Square Chapel Patrons and famous supporters backing the campaign include: Clio Barnard (film Director) and Ian Puleston-Davies (actor/ director), Natalie Gavin (actor) and supporters Mark Radcliffe (broadcaster) and Comedian Arthur Smith.
Andrew Hawley added: "The overwhelming support from the local community, along with the commitment from patrons like Reece Dinsdale and experienced local figures, shows just how much Square Chapel means to Calderdale. We are working tirelessly to turn that community passion into a viable, long-term business plan. This iconic building belongs at the heart of Halifax's cultural and social life, and we warmly invite anyone who shares that vision to get involved and help us secure its future."
The discussions are at an early stage and no purchase or operating agreement has been reached. The immediate focus is on exploring potential partnerships, funding opportunities, governance arrangements and a sustainable operating model capable of returning Square Chapel to use as a thriving arts and community venue.
The campaign is also keen to hear from people across Halifax, Calderdale and beyond who have ideas, expertise or resources that could help secure the future of the building.
ENDS
Notes:
Square Chapel Arts Centre is a Grade II listed former Georgian chapel in the centre of Halifax.
The building originally dates from 1772.
A £6.6 million redevelopment was completed in 2017, creating a multi-use arts venue with two performance spaces, cinema facilities, café/bar and associated production and community facilities.
The venue closed to the public in February 2025.
The building is currently being marketed by Watling Real Estate following the appointment of a Receiver by Arts Council England.
Arts Council England has stated that it remains committed to trying to return the building to cultural use and has indicated that it is interested in prospective bidders proposing continued cultural use.
The Save Square Chapel campaign has been campaigning for the venue to reopen and has attracted significant community support, including a petition with more than 3,000 signatures
Sign up to save Square Chapel Arts Centre: #SaveSquareChapel
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