THE man behind Bradford's Sunbridgewells underground tunnels was given a poignant procession through the city as part of his funeral.
Graham Hall, who developed the venue, died on December 27 last year. He was 54.
Mr Hall’s funeral was held today (February 1) and began with a funeral procession through Bradford city centre, which travelled down Sunbridge Road and past Sunbridgewells.
His hearse featured a display of Graham in white flowers and bystanders applauded as the vehicle went past them and turned into Market Street.
His funeral service then took place at St Francis Roman Catholic Church, Norman Lane, Bradford, followed by a committal service at Nab Wood Crematorium.
Carol Wright, who used to work with Mr Hall at Sunbridgewells, stood by the roadside at Sunbridge Road, to say goodbye to him.
She said: “I saw Graham all of the time. He was lovely. He always had the time of day for everyone.
“He always had a smile on his face. He was a lovely, lovely man.”
A request was made for family flowers only in the lead-up to the funeral, but donations in memory of Mr Hall could be made to the ICU ward at Bradford Royal Infirmary.
Wallers Brewery, one of the bars located in the complex, left a touching tribute to Mr Hall following his death.
The tribute included a full pint of lager, a burning candle, a photograph of Mr Hall and a small chalkboard with the message: ‘Reserved Graham Hall – 1968 to 2022’.
Sunbridgewells opened its doors in December 2016.
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.
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.”
Tributes to Mr Hall poured in following his death.
"Graham made a massive contribution to Bradford with his vision, passion and knowledge. Bradford will be a poorer place without him. Thoughts are with his family," said one.
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