A "KEY partner" has withdrawn from a major Bradford Council project, it has emerged.

Bradford District Care Trust had originally intended to financially contribute to the proposed Squire Lane leisure, community and enterprise centre, which promises to play a "significant part in improving the health and well-being of Bradford's communities well into the future".

But the trust has now pulled out of the multi-million project due to "demands on capital funding across the NHS" - and Bradford Council has this week confirmed it is looking at making the centre smaller.

A report to go before the authority's executive on October 3 recommends that the building be "rescoped" to less than half its original proposed size, from 10,781m2 to 4,291m2.

According to the council, Bradford District Care Trust has been "unable to commit at this stage to contributing towards the financial requirements of the scheme" due to a delay in confirmation about funding from the Department of Health.

Despite this development, Bradford Council said in its report it was "committed to continuing to engage with the trust" but added: "The scope of the Squire Lane project needs to be reviewed given the withdrawal of the key partner in the project."

A spokesperson for Bradford District Care Trust said: "We were involved in initial discussions alongside other partners about the scheme, but these were always dependant on securing capital funding.

"Unfortunately, due to the current demands on capital funding across the NHS, we are unable to progress the discussions further.  

"As a key partner, we wish them well with the proposed development."

The Telegraph & Argus asked the Department of Health for a comment - but none was given.

According to Bradford Council, the Squire Lane centre, which is planned to be built on a currently vacant piece of land near Bradford Royal Infirmary, will serve around 70,000 residents across the centre of the district. 

It is currently proposed to include two swimming pools, a spin class studio and gym areas.

Community space, office space and outdoor play facilities are also planned.

Health services could also operate from a hall at the centre.

The total cost of the project is now expected to be £34.9 million - down from an original sum of £48.9 million due to the proposed smaller building size.

The scheme was given a huge boost in 2021 when it was awarded £20 million through the Government's Levelling Up Fund.

Bradford Council warned "significant construction inflation and energy cost increases" have also led to the "rescoping" of the project.

Its report referenced a "revenue gap" of £750,000 and said the authority was "committed to attempting to mitigate" that.

"This will be achieved by exploring further efficiencies, identifying additional sources of funding and by exploring options to commercially let the enterprise and community space in the building, thus generating additional income," the report said.

It added: "The rescoped development will provide a high-quality, modern leisure facility which will contribute significantly towards delivery of the council's priorities in relation to health.

"It will also provide high-quality community facilities that will enhance existing community provision within Toller Ward and provide the opportunity for a broader range of community-related services to be delivered locally.

"The new facility will replace other older and less efficient facilities and provide significant opportunities to improve the overall health and well-being of the communities of the area."

Ahead of next week's meeting, Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, portfolio holder for regeneration, planning and transport at Bradford Council, said: "It's really exciting to see plans for this much-needed centre develop.

"We know that this will be a real asset for local people and be a well-used facility, which is why we are committed to do what we can to make sure that this delivers the sport and community benefits that our residents want.

"The centre will use bang up-to-date energy efficient technology wherever possible to help reduce energy costs and reduce carbon emissions, and we will continue to look at alternative funding sources to support the delivery of the centre as we continue through this process."

The plans are due to be presented to the council for final approval early next year, when a contractor is also expected to be appointed.

The T&A previously reported the centre is expected to open in 2026.