Shipley’s new Sustainable Community Hub has officially opened following an extensive £3m renovation.
The year-long refurbishment of the Old School Building on Kirkgate, has transformed the space into a contemporary base for charitable organisations Hive and the Kirkgate Community Centre, which will work together in providing complementary services and facilities for the local community.
They will offer services to tackle social isolation, promote well-being, provide activities for families and make cultural and artistic activities accessible for local residents.
There will also be opportunities for training, work experience and volunteering to support local people looking for employment.
The £3m project was funded with £2.51m from the Government-funded Shipley Towns Fund, as well as funding from the Community Ownership Fund, BD25, Mayor’s Climate Change Grant and the Architectural Heritage Fund.
The works have revealed features which had previously been hidden, such as the extraordinary original windows and fireplaces, which have been exposed, restored and upgraded sympathetically.
Chair of Hive Susan Bale explained: “The two small extensions for Hive provide a welcoming lobby and a much-needed activity room. The new road-side entrance is also crucial in terms of accessibility.
“We now have facilities which reflect the quality of the support on offer. There has been so much excitement and anticipation among the local community and we are delighted we can throw open the doors and welcome them. We are so proud that we now have facilities which reflect the quality of the support on offer.”
Nathan Tanswell, Chair of the Kirkgate Community Centre, added: “We now have a new lift which is also important for accessibility and creates a flow around the building. The building itself means a lot to local people.
“It needed significant repairs to make it safe, comfortable and sustainable, and we have done this while respecting the heritage and integrity of the building. The place now feels light and welcoming, as well as being as impressive as it was originally built to be.”
Adam Clerkin, Chair of the Shipley Towns Fund, said: “The Shipley Towns Fund is proud to support this public funded, on time, on budget, transformative project, which will benefit the community for generations to come.
“The towns fund initiative has empowered communities across the country to determine who, and how, public funds are spent to improve the quality of life in their towns. The Shipley Sustainable Community Hub is a shining example of this and demonstrates what can be achieved when government empowers talent inherent in all our communities.”
Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Planning and Transport added: “This has been an incredible project and it has been a privilege to see this incredible space take shape. It is a great opportunity for Hive and the Kirkgate Community Centre to work together to offer increased services and enable them to support even more local people.”
