Those hoping to secure places on Calderdale’s council in May’s elections are being urged to champion a campaign aimed at restoring a cherished cultural establishment in Halifax.

The Save Square Chapel Initiative is calling on individuals contesting council positions to throw their weight behind attempts to bring the Square Chapel Arts Centre back into operation.

Once successful at the polls, supporters of the initiative are asking newly-elected members to lobby the authority to step up its attempts to revive Square Chapel as a venue for community arts.

The initiative has published a standard letter that local people can adapt to contact prospective councillors and encourage them to support the Square Chapel cause.

A spokesperson indicated that identical appeals have additionally been directed towards leaders of parties putting forward candidates.

This February marked a full year since the venue’s sudden closure, with campaigners maintaining that prolonged darkness remains unacceptable.

Earlier this year, the Square Chapel Community Interest Company, which operated the facility, hinted that encouraging progress might be on the horizon.

Arts Council England, which maintains a legal claim on the premises, has affirmed its commitment to cooperating with Calderdale Council and fellow community partners to ensure the building continues functioning as an arts venue.

The council has explained that despite not holding ownership of Square Chapel, it is eager for its revival as an arts centre and maintains active dialogue with the funding body regarding the situation.

Backers stress that sustained pressure remains vital to reinstate the Square Chapel Arts Centre as a dynamic and welcoming environment for varied cultural expression and social engagement, a vital hub for regional arts organisations and a focal point for community outreach and employment in the creative sector.

Campaign coordinator Sandra Shearn stated that many individuals and groups have expressed interest and support for resurrecting the venue, and that the Arts Council England must catalyse change by implementing the charge it holds, which requires the building to serve as an arts centre.

The campaign will persist until Square Chapel regains its proper position at the heart of creative arts in Calderdale.