Residents are being asked what they want to see in a £1 million healthy living centre designed to improve their quality of life.

Caf West will provide community facilities, courses and health improvement services to the residents of Allerton and Lower Grange.

The building, which is being constructed through a £1 million grant from the National Lottery's New Opportunities Fund, is due to open next January.

It is being built on the site of Allerton Health Centre on Wanstead Crescent, which was demolished in April.

Planned facilities include a community caf, creche, indoor bowling green, IT suite, complementary therapies and exercise programmes.

There will also be workers from arts schemes Artworks and Dance For Life, as well as a children's health programme run by Barnardo's Churches and Neighbourhood Action project and a teenage health clinic run by local GPs surgeries.

Healthy living co-ordinator Michaela Howell said the local community were involved with every step of the process.

Caf West has become a limited company and the scheme is being run by a steering group with a majority of members drawn from the local community.

Ms Howell said the board also had representatives from Bradford South and West Primary Care Trust, Bradford Council, Barnardos and Saffron Dean Community Association, which has helped fund the building.

"It is local people doing it all," Ms Howell said. "Anybody who is committed to making a difference can contribute. The board is responsible for employment, strategy and steering the work of Caf West."

She said board members were speaking to people around the area about what they would like to see in the centre, with suggestions including a children's library, support groups and facilities for exercise classes.

There will be more opportunities for people to put their views across in the future.

Ms Howell said after the centre was opened, activities could be tailored to need.

She said: "People are really looking forward to it opening and they like the fact we are asking for their ideas."

For more information about Caf West, contact (01274) 431509 or log on to www.cafewest.co.uk.