Old school buildings in Shipley now open as £3m hub

The year-long refurbishment of the old school buildings on Kirkgate, Shipley, has transformed the space into a base for charitable organisations Hive and the Kirkgate Community Centre.

They will work together to provide services and facilities for the community, including schemes to tackle social isolation and promote well-being.

They will also provide activities for families and make cultural and artistic activities accessible.

It's a base for Hive and Kirkgate Community Centre (Image: Bradford Council) There will be opportunities for training, work experience and volunteering to support people looking for employment.

The project was funded with £2.51m from the Government-funded Shipley Towns Fund, as well as funding from the Community Ownership Fund, BD25, the Mayor’s Climate Change Grant and the Architectural Heritage Fund.

The works have revealed features which had previously been hidden, including the beautiful original windows and fireplaces, which have been exposed, restored and upgraded sympathetically.

The building has been sympathetically restored (Image: Bradford Council) Hive chair Susan Bale said: “The two small extensions for Hive provide a welcoming lobby and a much-needed activity room.

“The new roadside entrance is also crucial in terms of accessibility.

“We now have facilities which reflect the quality of the support on offer.

“There has been so much excitement and anticipation among the local community and we are delighted we can throw open the doors and welcome them. We are so proud that we now have facilities which reflect the quality of the support on offer.”

Nathan Tanswell, chair of the Kirkgate Community Centre, added: “We now have a new lift which is also important for accessibility and creates a flow around the building.

“The building itself means a lot to local people. It needed significant repairs to make it safe, comfortable and sustainable, and we have done this while respecting the heritage and integrity of the building. The place now feels light and welcoming, as well as being as impressive as it was originally built to be.”

The hub is in Shipley town centre (Image: Bradford Council)

Adam Clerkin, chair of Shipley Towns fund, said the project had been on time, on budget and will be “transformative”

He said: “The towns fund initiative has empowered communities across the country to determine who, and how, public funds are spent to improve the quality of life in their towns.

“The Shipley Sustainable Community Hub is a shining example of this and demonstrates what can be achieved when Government empowers talent inherent in all our communities”

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s portfolio holder for regeneration, planning and transport added: “This has been an incredible project and it has been a privilege to see this incredible space take shape.

“It is a great opportunity for Hive and the Kirkgate Community Centre to work together to offer increased services and enable them to support even more local people.”