Civic hall reopens after pounds 1m spend.

Byline: JOANNE DOUGLAS

THE pounds 1m pound refurbishment of Brighouse Civic Hall can now be seen in all its glory.

The town's Civic Hall was reopening today to become a focal point for the community.

Work stalled after the hall at Bradford Road was closed early last year and now, 11 months after is was due to open, it is being used once again.

Brighouse councillor Colin Stout said: "I am delighted that it is finally open, we've been waiting a long time for this.

"It has been a nightmare of a job, but it has all been refurbished to how it should have been a long time ago and it can be used as a civic venture and also a focal point for Brighouse people."

There was much anger when the hall was closed long before a contractor was hired to carry out vital repairs.

And there were problems along the way, discovering leaks, false walls as well as structural defects.

But now work has been finished and it is the home to a Customer First office, which was opening for business today.

Clr Stout added: "The key to this is we have a Customer First there so people don't have to travel to Halifax now for council-related things, they can just go into town.

"Brighouse theatre group are starting using the space, so we'll get productions back in there too, which is great. It's going to become a real boost for the community."

Improvements have included a new kitchen and toilets, a new lift and redecoration throughout. It also has improved dressing rooms, a costume store and rehearsal space.

The Customer First Centre will be open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 9am to 5pm; Thursday from 9am to 6pm and Saturday 9.30am to 12.30pm.

Now the hall has re-opened, councillors are moving their attention to the town's new swimming pool with work on the Wellholme Park pool expected to start soon.

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FOCAL POINT: Brighouse Civic Hall, pictured before the refurbishment