Late summer completion anticipated for community hub revamp

A £2.51m renovation of Shipley’s new sustainable community hub is on track for completion by the end of August.

The building will host opportunities for training, work experience and volunteering to support local people looking for employment.

It will also offer services to tackle social isolation, promote wellbeing, provide activities for families and make cultural and artistic activities accessible for local residents.

Work on the old school buildings on Kirkgate began in summer last year and is being backed by the Government-funded Shipley Towns Fund.

Charitable organisations Hive and the Kirkgate Centre will work together from the upgraded building.

Chair of Hive, Susan Bale, said: “The two small extensions for Hive have now been built to provide a welcoming lobby and a much-needed activity room.

“The road-side entrance has also been completed which is a huge milestone in terms of accessibility as well as creating much excitement and anticipation among the local community.”

Nathan Tanswell, chair of the Kirkgate Centre, said: “The building itself means a lot to local people and it needed significant repairs to make it safe, comfortable and sustainable.

“One of the recent huge milestones has been installing the lift to enable further accessibility and create a flow around the building.

“The whole space already feels light and welcoming, as well as being as impressive as it was originally built to be.”

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s portfolio holder for regeneration, planning and transport, said: “This incredible project is a great opportunity for Hive and the Kirkgate centre to work together to offer increased services and support even more people.

“It is great to see it progressing so well and taking shape so beautifully.”

Adam Clerkin, chair of the Shipley Towns Fund, added: “We’re proud to support this transformative project. It will be a huge asset to the community.

“The hub, through the custodianship of these two inspiring organisations, will become a focal point and a catalyst for regeneration and community development.”