Square Chapel Arts Centre Prepares To Reopen After Administration And COVID

March 2020 brought the sad news that Square Chapel Arts Centre was going into administration. That seems like a long time ago now - way back at the beginning of the first lockdown. By September 2020 the situation had improved somewhat with 'Arts At The Mill CIC' becoming the official owners of this lovely venue.

Arts At The Mill CIC is a non-profit organisation and is the company behind Wigan organisations The Old Courts, Wigan Pier and The Royal Court Theatre.

Now after months of pandemic penury the Square Chapel Arts Centre is aiming to open to the public for live events late summer/ early autumn 2021.

Jonathan Davenport, Artistic Director said:

"Along with our knowledge and experience from running our sites in Wigan, we feel we have a great chance of formulating an inclusive, relevant and ambitious plan for Square Chapel. It’s incredibly important that we find our place among other organisations in Calderdale and work hard to look at the whole cultural picture and not just our own activity. We’re mapping out existing relationships, existing organisations and setting out to play our part in the development of what we think is a fantastic region for culture.”

Dave Jenkins, Managing Director of Square Chapel said:

"We bring strategic and commercial experience to ensure quality, sustainability and longevity. This is embedded into our plans ensuring that an important cultural asset to Halifax and surrounding areas has a future. We have received amazing support and encouragement from both Arts Council England and Calderdale Council who share our energy and passion for what we want to achieve.

"We are hugely excited to welcome the community and performers back in the buildings but prior to that, we are working hard to ensure that we have everything in place to do so safely and fully equipped to deliver what Calderdale deserves."