Components of it nonetheless really feel like 1896.
The market city that seems like stepping again into a special period (Picture: Liv Clarke)
For years, markets have been the colourful centres of cities nationwide earlier than the grocery store got here alongside. From contemporary produce and meat to baked items and cheese, every part was accessible at these bustling hubs. Regardless of the rise of giants like Sainsbury’s and Asda, markets in northern cities proceed to buzz with exercise.
In Higher Manchester, Bury market stays a well-liked vacation spot, famed for its Bury Black Pudding amongst different delicacies. In 2025, it even made the checklist of top-10 coach journey locations within the nation. Close by, Stockport Market, housed in a shocking Victorian corridor, additionally thrives.
Enterprise to different northern cities and also you’re more likely to uncover a market corridor ready to be explored. I had such an expertise on a latest go to to Halifax, which felt like stepping again in time.
The central clock tower below the newly renovated roof (Picture: Liv Clarke)
Halifax is definitely accessible by prepare, with the journey by means of the brooding West Yorkshire countryside particularly charming in the course of the winter months.
Upon setting foot in Halifax, it is evident that the city shares a standard heritage with its Calderdale neighbours Hebden Bridge and Todmorden. The Yorkshire Pennines’ cities and villages are characterised by darkish millstone grit buildings and historic mills.
Nevertheless, Halifax boasts a unprecedented function: the magnificent Piece Corridor. This hanging Grade-I Georgian edifice, relationship again to 1779, homes an enormous 66,000sq ft open courtyard, giving it an air of a grand European metropolis sq. somewhat than a West Yorkshire city centre.
The 4 sides of the Piece Corridor are lined with retailers, cafes and eating places, all overlooking the expansive sq. which hosts Christmas markets in November and December, and stay music occasions in the course of the summer season months.
Venturing past the Georgian splendour, one other point of interest emerges in Halifax: the city’s market. First opened in 1896, the Grade II*-listed Halifax Borough Market might not be as historic because the Piece Corridor, nevertheless it proudly showcases its Victorian attraction.
Stepping inside seems like coming into a time capsule, transporting you again to not solely the Victorian period but in addition the bustling market days of the 70s and 80s. The very first thing that strikes you is the spectacular glass roof, supported by towering steel pillars and archways, permitting pure mild to light up the house beneath.
The market has not too long ago been revitalised due to £4.5million secured from the Authorities’s Future Excessive Streets Fund, which financed essential upgrades to the historic constructing. The enhancements encompassed main restoration work on the construction’s roof, that includes contemporary reglazing, while the ceiling and ornate wrought iron options acquired a contemporary coat of paint.
On the coronary heart of the market stands the magnificent clock tower, surrounded by wood benches at its base – yet one more part that has been fantastically restored. The end result is a vibrant and spacious surroundings, courtesy of the improved roofing, and one can simply image this as the right gathering spot the place buyers would congregate for a chinwag in days of previous.
The stalls themselves really feel splendidly nostalgic – and that is completely a praise. Mister Dee’s Verandah Espresso Store presents a hanging distinction to in the present day’s stylish espresso homes, adorned with charming internet curtains, while the Tobacconist maintains its basic title, regardless of now providing vapes alongside conventional merchandise.
One of many spectacular entrances to Halifax Borough Market (Picture: Liv Clarke)
As I wander by means of, I encounter all of the acquainted market necessities: a fruit and vegetable stand bursting with vibrant produce, a haberdashery overflowing with each conceivable trim and ribbon, a florist displaying rows of lovely bouquets, and a distinctly vintage-style lingerie stall – Carters – the place model legs showcase hosiery in each shade and design conceivable. Past the colourful stalls and sun-drenched corridor, Halifax Borough Market harbours an interesting secret.
Perched above the market are two hidden residential streets, aptly named ‘Streets within the Sky’.
These rooftop terraces have been as soon as dwelling to those that ran companies available in the market beneath. As of 2023, just a few residents stay, though a lot of the homes now stand empty.
The market seems like a movie set (Picture: Liv Clarke)
Earlier than the market’s renovation, Go to Calderdale used to conduct guided excursions of those distinctive streets, however these have been briefly halted because of building work. Whereas it is at the moment not doable to discover these hidden streets, it is charming to think about life unfolding above the bustling market stalls.
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Regardless of its nostalgic attraction, Halifax’s market is undeniably a thriving hub for the area people. Throughout my go to, the market was alive with the regular hum of weekday buyers, merchants peddling their items, and staff grabbing a fast bacon sandwich earlier than resuming their duties.
It is heartening to see such historic websites nonetheless in lively use, making it a must-visit vacation spot if you end up on this Yorkshire city.
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