Calderdale Council's cabinet has agreed to move forward with a multi-million pound project to transform Halifax's historic Piece Hall into a new heritage attraction for the town.

Members of the cabinet has endorsed the vision for Piece Hall, which is seen as central to the redevelopment of the town's Cultural Quarter and will be catalyst for further regeneration.

The transformation of Piece Hall is expected to cost a total of £19m and a bid is to be lodged with the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for capital funding worth £7m towards the project.

Final approval for the submission of the HLF application will be decided by members of the full council on 17 February, following the backing of cabinet members.

Calderdale Council leader Janet Battye said: "We have been working hard for the last two years on our plans to develop the Piece Hall."

Details: www.calderdale.gov.uk