Civic award for firm which turned Halifax court and cells into music school and wellness centre
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Halifax Civic Trust has presented O and C Management Services with an accolade after being “greatly impressed” with the conversion from the court and cells on Harrison Road into a music school and wellness centre.
After the court – which was formerly also a police station – closed in 2016, the building lay empty for several years and was “at risk of becoming derelict”, said the trust.
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Hide AdBut O and C Management Services bought the premises and have given it new life.
It is now home to Calderdale Music – offering lessons to people of all ages – and The Wellness Centre, which has 19 spaces for a range of services, from beauty to counselling.
Although internal changes have been made to adapt the building to its new use, much of the character of the 123-year-old structure has been retained.
Many of the fittings in the main courtroom were removed to create a new auditorium with tiered seating but the oak panelled walls, stunning stained glass and the colourful royal coat of arms over the former magistrates' bench have all been kept.
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Hide AdIn 2023, a cafe - aptly named Rhythm and Brews - was opened and soon a music shop selling sheet music, guitar strings, reeds and much more will become a feature of the entrance area.
Alan Goodrum, chairman of Halifax Civic Trust, said: “O and C should be commended on a sympathetic conversion to a music trust and wellness centre in the former magistrates court and police station.
“The development is a worthy winner of the Halifax Civic Trust 2023 Award.”
Managing Director of O and C Management Services, Nick Holdsworth, said: “Creating a better place to live and work for everyone in Halifax has always been my burning passion.
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Hide Ad"I believe that a thriving community is built on a foundation of wellbeing and better environmental development.
"That's why our recent project – the Wellness Centre, located in the old magistrates court – is a crucial step towards realising that vision.”
The Harrison Road courthouse and adjoining former police station opened in 1900, having previously been located at Halifax Town Hall.