Plans have been submitted for a multi-million pound project in Shipley with a focus on Health, Well-being and Community.
The £3m investment from the Shipley Towns Fund will transform The Old School building on Farfield Road, owned by mental health charity, The Cellar Trust.
Plans, drawn up by local firm Rance, Booth and Smith Architects, include full refurbishment of the existing building, a new atrium at the front of the building and full landscaping.
The proposals for the grounds include the creation of a well-being garden which will be accessible to the public.
The new facility will continue to be run by well-established founding member charity, The Cellar Trust with input from strategic charity partner HALE, also based in Shipley. Its mission will be to provide health and well-being services by working with a range of services from the voluntary sector, public sector and social enterprise in one inclusive, welcoming and accessible place.
The Cellar Trust CEO Kim Shutler said: “We have an established track record of successfully delivering specialist mental health support. This building will give us new opportunities to work in partnership with other local organisations, who may not easily have access to such facilities.
“We’ll be making good use of the improved facilities with the access to green space and the opportunity for classes and activities. All with the aim of supporting even more people across Shipley.”
Services will be available for the whole community and will particularly focus on supporting vulnerable people. There will be large rooms for groups and events, smaller activity rooms, consulting rooms for clinical and non-clinical interventions as well as a multi-faith and contemplation space.
Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, said: “This new community development will be invaluable, delivering improved access to mental and physical health services and will support the well-being of our community.”
Chairman of Shipley Towns Fund Adam Clerkin added: “We are pleased to support this incredible project, which will change people’s lives. It will provide a wide range of integrated support services, delivered by a skilled workforce and a team of volunteers who are trained in engaging, assessing, motivating and giving people the tools to improve their health and well-being. We are delighted to have been able to support it through the towns fund.”
Office and co-working space has been set aside for health and well-being providers and social enterprises. The atrium entrance space and welcome area will include an informal seating area and refreshments.
In addition to the £3m funding to be received through the Towns Fund, an additional £600k funding has been sourced through match funding, by way of building collateral from The Cellar Trust.
