West View Park, Highroad Well, Halifax February 2019

West View Park is a public park opened in 1896 and covering approx. 14 acres in the Highroad Well area of Halifax. Built on the site of a former quarry on land donated by Lord Saville, the park was the idea of Mr Henry Charles McCrea and Mr Enoch Robinson who paid for the parks development provided the local council took over responsibility for the future upkeep of the park. The park features formal gardens, play areas and a terrace. The park was named West View at the insistence of McCrea, reflecting the views over the Norland Hillside, Pennines and Calder Valley to the west of Halifax. 

In 1904 a war memorial was added to the terrace area to commemorate the 2 soldiers who died in the Afghan Wars (1839-42 / 1878-81) and the 73 who lost their lives in the South African War (1899-1902). The statue stands at 76ft (23mts) and was blown over in 1937. When unveiled the it was surrounded by 3 fields guns but theses were removed also in 1937. The statue was given Grade II listed status on the 23rd November 1973.

This set of pictures was taken in February 2019 using a Nikon d3300 SLR camera. They can be seen below or on Clickasnap full size, resolution and un-watermarked.

Thanks for looking, please take a moment to share and follow me on social media.

All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Wainhouse Terrace: A Victorian Gem in Halifax

Nestled between the bustling A646 and A58, in the heart of King Cross, near Halifax, lies a silent witness to a bygone era: Wainhouse Terrace. This Grade II listed structure, a remnant of a once-thriving Victorian housing development, stands as a poignant reminder of the area's dramatic transformation in the 1970s.

Imagine, if you will, the bustling streets, the close-knit community that once filled the back-to-back terraces that lined this hillside. Today, only the terrace itself remains, a lone sentinel amidst the modern roads and redeveloped landscape. The vision of John Wainhouse, the same man who gifted us the iconic Wainhouse Tower, this terrace boasts a unique square tower, a spiral staircase winding its way upwards, culminating in a panoramic balcony overlooking the breathtaking Ryburn Valley.

My journey to Wainhouse Terrace in November 2013, captured on my trusty Samsung Galaxy Tablet, revealed a site steeped in history and a touch of melancholy. The echoes of the past seemed to linger in the air, a stark contrast to the roar of traffic on the adjacent roads.

The story of Wainhouse Terrace is one of both preservation and neglect. After the demolition of the surrounding housing in the early 70s, the council wisely transformed the terrace into a viewing area in 1973, offering a glimpse of the stunning valley scenery. For a time, it was cherished and maintained. However, the narrative took a sad turn in March 2008 when the council sold it for a mere £76,000.

Since then, time and the elements have taken their toll. The terrace has fallen into disrepair, a shadow of its former glory. It's a heartbreaking sight, a piece of history slowly crumbling. A glimmer of hope shone in 2016, when a dedicated local volunteer group valiantly attempted to reclaim the site, clearing overgrown vegetation and attempting to stem the tide of decay.

This brings me to my personal vision for Wainhouse Terrace. It possesses an undeniable charm, a unique character that begs to be resurrected. I envision a vibrant market area, a bustling hub of local crafts and produce, or perhaps a tranquil garden, a haven of peace amidst the urban landscape. Imagine the spiral staircase, its ancient stones echoing with the footsteps of visitors, leading to a balcony alive with the chatter of marketgoers or the quiet contemplation of garden enthusiasts.

The terrace, recently re-listed for sale, presents a unique opportunity. It's a chance to breathe new life into a piece of Halifax history, to transform it into a community asset. It's a chance to honour John Wainhouse's legacy and create a space that enriches the lives of locals and visitors alike.

Wainhouse Terrace is more than just bricks and mortar; it's a story waiting to be retold, a canvas awaiting a new masterpiece. Will someone step forward and answer its silent plea? Let's hope so. Because this forgotten gem deserves a second chance to shine.

Clicking any of the images below should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

Thanks for looking and please take a moment to share and follow me on social media, and check out my portfolio's on Photo4Me and ClickAsnap via the link below.

All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.