Two new additions to the community have been welcomed in Mixenden, in North Halifax.
Firstly, a new mobile community pop-up shop is bringing affordable, healthy food to the area. Mixenden Community Hub will be hosting Community Shop’s ‘On the Go’ van every other Tuesday from 22 July 2025 onwards. The pop-up shop is stocked with a wide range of fresh, nutritious produce at very low prices. Calderdale Council has introduced this service in partnership with Community Shop and Nestlé. Community Shop On the Go uses surplus food from trusted suppliers, helping to reduce food waste – a win for the environment as well as the community.
Secondly, North Halifax Partnership (NHP) has announced the reopening of the Mixenden Activity Centre (MAC), a much-loved local space that has stood at the heart of the community for decades. Closed since 2018, the MAC will reopen under the management of NHP, with plans to transform the centre into a vibrant community hub shaped by local people.
As part of its commitment to community-led development, NHP will use the #MACisBack campaign to invite residents to share their ideas for the future of the centre. The launch phase will highlight the building’s rich heritage while focusing on jointly creating new activities and services with the community. This will ensure the centre truly reflects what local people want and need.
Carly Mullaney, MAC Manager at NHP, said:
“We know how important MAC is to local people. Our vision is to work with residents, partners, and groups so the centre becomes a thriving space full of opportunity for everyone.”
The reopening is being supported by a range of funding sources, including Active Calderdale, Calderdale Council, NHP and UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). The funding will initially cover the appointment of a dedicated Centre Coordinator who will manage day-to-day operations and help secure the long-term future of the building.
Cllr Sarah Courtney, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Transport, said:
“Having Mixenden Activity Centre back will be another great boost for the area, following other recent additions to community facilities like Mixenden Hub and improvements to Beechwood and Sunny Bank parks.
“The centre’s reopening is one of many examples of investment in north Halifax, which supports our priorities for thriving towns and places and reduced inequalities. Partnership work with the community, including the 10-year North Halifax Strategy, is transforming the area to bring hope, opportunity and economic benefits, creating a place that local people can take even more pride in.”
A soft launch event is being planned for 30th August, giving local people the chance to tour the refreshed space, share their ideas, and celebrate the return of this much-needed community asset.