We’ve been working with Calderdale Council on the restoration of Halifax Borough Market.

The Council has carefully refurbished this stunning Grade II* listed market hall, which first opened in 1896. Works included repairs to the main roof, the creation of an events space and transforming the area around the central clock.

While the market is a cinch to find, many people walk past without appreciating what’s on offer inside. We were brought in to devise a wayfinding scheme that would entice people in from its perimeter to have a look for themselves.

Working within a Grade II* listed building meant every intervention needed to respect the market’s historic fabric. We developed our design in line with planning and listed building policies, to secure that all-important listed building consent.

Our scheme centres around a series of information totems positioned throughout the market. These help visitors navigate to individual traders while also promoting events. Because market occupancy changes over time, we integrated digital displays into the totems, allowing for updates to be made without any physical changes being required. The curved forms reference the ornate detailing and geometry found within the market's ironwork and architectural features, helping to provide a contemporary interpretation of the building's character.

Hanging signs and a family of simple icons completed the scheme, creating a consistent visual language throughout the market.

The scheme’s design and colour palette are inspired by the building’s recently restored architectural details, including the painted ironwork, decorative motifs and historic shopfronts. This has created a cohesive identity while remaining sympathetic to the listed building.

The digital solution is ideal for this context because information won’t become out of date when an individual market trader moves on. The totems also provide a flexible way for the market to advertise market events, supporting a core part of Calderdale’s vision without the need for temporary signage.

All in all, the signage supports the market’s regeneration ambition to become a welcoming space where people can confidently shop, eat, drink and spend time.