Should the Richard Dunn Sports Centre be saved for future generations or demolished?
That discussion was sparked after it was revealed that the derelict site is expected to cost taxpayers £150,000 a year.
Two separate polls by the Telegraph & Argus and Bradford Civic Society revealed an overwhelming majority of people would like to see the iconic building demolished.
Just 25 per cent of readers told this newspaper that the listed building should be protected from the wrecking ball.
An array of transformation ideas have been suggested - from turning the site into a velodrome or ice rink to a new homeless shelter or conference hall.
Bradford Civic Society's Place Panel was consulted by Historic England on the successful application to list the building, but declined to make representations over concerns that no viable use could be found for a retained structure.
The panel believed the listing could have a negative impact on emerging city centre regeneration and transport plans.
But there has been some support for the listing from members of Bradford Civic Society, with some suggesting that the landmark roof structure could be retained as part of any future redevelopment, even if the internal building and pool areas were demolished.
A spokesperson for Bradford Civic Society said: "The listing of the Richard Dunn Centre has provoked some interesting, and at times passionate debate, about the role of certain types of architecture in Bradford.
“Although as an organisation, we did not offer representations on the listing, it could be beneficial to see elements of the landmark roof structure incorporated into any future development.
“However our stance remains that any decision on the future of Richard Dunn must benefit Bradfordians and the local community first and foremost."
- Read more like this: 'Imagination and belief could make Richard Dunn centre a key regeneration project’
What should happen to the Richard Dunns Sports Centre?
Here’s what some T&A readers had to say on social media.
Bilal Ahmed said: “Make a waterpark like Blackpool has one.”
Clare Matthews said: “Relocate the ice skating rink?”
Lorraine Smith-Mackender said: “Maybe they could make part of it into a roller rink and skateboarding or youth club with facilities for the younger generation, snooker, pool, gym with healthy snack bars, all youngsters have to be members for a fee every month etc.”
Sally Webster said: “This should be made into a safe social place for teenagers. There is nothing for teenagers to do these days apart from hang around in streets.”
Jackie Lannen Waite said: “Bradford Council should put effort into coming up with a new use for the building. Music venue, craft, Christmas markets, conferences. The possibilities are endless. Better than another retail park.”
Marie Keating said: “It should be turned into a wellness centre for teens and adults. This will help with mental health issues and be a safe haven for teens and adults alike.”
Adam Ali said: “Well I think it should be open space for people with mental health where they can go and talk to people and relax that’s the best thing for this place at least tax payers money will be spent right for once.”
Sarah Fearne said: “A velodrome. It would be perfect.”
Sarah Korkmaz said: “It should be as it was before but modern, you know like the metrodome because people used to shoot up the motorway and bring money into Bradford.”
Angela Gill said: “Roller skating rink and skate park.”
Jemma Woolley said: “This place offers massive potential to be something great. You see all these gyms opening up that are tiny, would be good if it became a sports arena or maybe even a place for concerts.”
Ozair Afsar said: “Such an iconic part of history named after a Bradford boxer who fought the greatest to ever lace up some gloves. Spend some money on it, secure the premises to prevent travellers turning up and keep the building as it’s got history to it. Taxpayers, we all pay tax don’t know where it goes. What does it matter this time for a bit of history?”
Pat Bleau Mbe said: “Provide workers and make it a night shelter for the homeless in Bradford.”
Malcom Rickett said: “Bulldose it and put some new council house in its place and give long term residents who want a upgrade house a chance for a change.”
Gav Fletcher said: “Why can’t it be a market or filled with artisan shops? We are paying for it why not give space to up and coming local businesses to actually build Bradford out of the malignant days.”
Clive Nutton said: “If you conceptualise the RDSC as a building you're led down a particular path - use, maintenance, security. If you think of it as sculpture you open up a different way of appreciating/interacting with it and other (cheaper?) ways of managing it. I think it could be quite a playful, celebratory treatment that frees the structure from the baggage of finding a use and gives the space new value. It mightn't be practically possible though, I guess. I do think that whatever happens needs to happen relatively quickly. Maintaining an empty building while it decays and attracts anti-social behaviour isn't in anyone's interests. There are plenty of Bradford heritage buildings that've been empty for many years.”
Mark Wilson said: “Whoever is responsible for making this a listed building is a disgrace to the city. The only reason for even considering making it a listed building was to thwart the redevelopment of the site and now the taxpayers are left with the bill.”
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