Image: Plans include a 'European' piazza

Calderdale Council has secured a £7m grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund towards the £19m transformation of Piece Hall in Halifax, West Yorkshire into a modern heritage attraction.

Plans for the Grade I-listed Georgian building include a visitor centre charting the history of the building as well as learning facilities, retail space and a conference and venue area.

There will also be European-style piazza, with a dedicated space outlining the role of the property in Yorkshire's history.

LDN Architects has been selected to draw up plans for the new-look property, while L&R Consulting will act as business planners to ensure the site's sustainable future.

Wafer Hadley has been appointed by the local authority to lead the heritage interpretation and activity planning.

Work is expected to commence in late 2013 and will be done in phases and completed in 2015.

Fiona Spiers, head of HLF for Yorkshire and Humber, said: "The Piece Hall's courtyard has huge potential as an open civic space and popular tourist destination.

"Were very pleased to have awarded £7m to help create a vibrant piazza which will retain the integrity of the 18th century architecture and celebrate its role in West Yorkshire history. This project is a good example of the role that heritage can play in bringing people together and creating the perfect site for learning and recreation."

Plans for the redevelopment of Piece Hall were first announced in 2010.