“Catastrophic” – Harvey’s CEO describes business impact of Halifax Town Centre roadworks

Latest town centre footfall data shows Halifax business district footfall is down following £64m improvement plan.

This year family-run Harvey’s of Halifax will celebrate 100 years in business, with over 75 of those years, trading on Commercial Street in Halifax. But, over the past two years business has taken a nosedive. 

In the latest episode of Calderdale inside Out’s podcast, the CEO of Harvey’s, fourth generation owner Tracy Harvey, describes the impact of Halifax’s £64m town centre improvement scheme saying “It genuinely has been catastrophic for us. Two years is a long time for customers to change their habits and find other places to go.”

On Commercial Street, recorded footfall fell by almost a third between 2024 and 2025 – and the latest numbers show just a slight 5% recovery following the end of the roadworks at the top end of town.. And At Corn Market, the latest figures are showing 27% down from the previous year. Woolshops data is broadly flat with just a 0.7% increase year on year.

But Harveys isn't giving up. Despite depleted cash reserves, higher business rates and rising staff costs, the store has opened two new departments, and Tracy says she remains determined that the business will not only survive, but thrive again adding:

“I passionately believe in what we do as a business. I passionately believe in Halifax.”

Listen now to Calderdale Inside Out.

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