Planning permission has been granted for a new visitor centre and heritage interpretation centre at the historic Piece Hall, in Halifax.

The £18.9m project, led by Calderdale Council, was awarded a £7m grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund in July. It will transform the property into a popular visitor attraction, with restaurants, shops and a heritage centre, which will tell the story of Piece Hall and display its importance in Yorkshire history.

The project will also see extensive conservation work to the Grade I listed building, including the installation of lifts.

Leader of Calderdale Council, Tim Swift, says the plans for Piece Hall are at the heart of the regeneration of central Halifax.

Work on site is expected to start late next year and be completed in early 2015, when the hall will be transferred to a historic buildings trust.