Bradford's Sunbridgewells developer Graham Hall dies

The news was shared on the venue's Facebook page this evening. 

The post, from Binder Xavier Lal, said: "With great sadness we say farewell to Graham JP Hall.

"An instrumental figure head into making Bradford great.

"His greatest creation Sunbridgewells was greatly admired as CRAZY before work commenced. But with many great friends including myself, we believed in his vision.

"RIP Graham John Peter Hall. Never forget you, we won't as a collective.

"The work will continue. Say hi to everyone we have lost. See you soon great friend."

Mr Hall was behind the unique £1.9 million underground tunnels complex. 

It opened its doors in December 2016.

Speaking in December 2017, Mr Hall told the Telegraph & Argus the site had attracted visitors from across the country and had become a regular social venue for people from across Yorkshire.

He said: “The first year has been a life-changing experience for me.

“It’s been overwhelming, it’s a unique concept.

“People from all over the country, who would never come to Bradford, have come to see it.

“It’s just building and building. It takes time though. It’s about getting our name out there. It has been a successful year."

In its first year, the complex, which is home to a mix of shops, restaurants and bars, was visited by Princess Anne. 

During her visit, she was given a guided tour of the site and unveiled a plaque in Wallers Brewery.

Mr Hall spoke of his pride at the visit and told the T&A: “The visit went really well.

“Princess Anne enjoyed the place, she was very impressed and said it was unique. She said there is nothing like this anywhere else in the country.

“It doesn’t get any better than this. I will have to start calling it Royal Sunbridgewells after her visit now.”

Many people have paid tribute to Mr Hall on the Sunbridgewells Facebook page. 

One tribute said: "So sorry to hear this.

"A Bradford visionary."

Another said: "What a great loss to Bradford. What vision he had he made a massive contribution to the Bradford regeneration and will be sadly missed by all."

One poster spoke of the "great legacy" he has left in Bradford, while another tribute said: "This is such sad news he did an amazing job with Sunbridge Wells and was a great tour guide showing myself and my daughter round after it opened. Condolences to his family and all who knew him."