After a long search, HSB have found suitable property in the centre of Halifax. This is happening to make it easier for local people with sight loss to receive support.
Announcing the move at theSociety’s AGM on Tuesday 24th
August, Sue Mort (Chair), said:“The money was generously left to
us in a legacy, and we’ve bought a magnificent space in the very heart
of Halifax’s shopping district, on Southgate. By moving to the old
site of Bradford and Bingley /Santander, we’ll be fully
accessible, and it would have been hard to find a place more familiar to
residents.”
It’s been a long search to find the right place in the bustling heart of Halifax
(see picture), and yet not far from the bus station either. There’ll be more
space, and we’re planning a community café, so people can come and get
help, and have a decent brew too! People will be better supported from
there. This is a very exciting time for our entire community, and we look
forward to giving further updates as refurbishment works progress.
This return to the high street has come after almost 80 years, when the
longstanding charity last had a presence at 12-14 Fountain Street (see
picture from 1941). That site is now part of the successful Victorian Craft
Beer Café, which is part of the changing street scene locally.
The Southgate building has a long history, which many will recall. Before being taken over by the Society, it was the CardMarket. Before that, it was Santander and previously the Bradford and Bingley Building Society. People may remember it as a Bernie Steakhouse. For those around longer, it was The Boar’s Head pub!
Ahead, we have a programme of works to get ready for the official opening of the new and bold service. Almost all HSB’s work is funded by donations and
legacies made to us. The last two years have been challenging times and our charity has made a point of standing out to help people. This move crowns
our efforts during the Pandemic. Our community has shown its resilience, and with financial support, we can go further in dealing with sight loss – which
affects thousands locally. Plans are being drawn up for a revamped service, following our large survey of local visually impaired people. We will announce many new initiatives in the coming months, as well as details of a Grand
Opening in the Spring of 2022. If you wish to support us in any way, please call us on
01422 352383 or email info@halifaxblindsociety.org.uk to find out more.
