MP David Ward is urging the Government to honour a £5 million grant towards a state-of-the arts youth centre in Bradford.

The Bradford East MP is putting pressure on ministers to understand the importance of Culture Fusion and the difference it could make to young people across the district.

In March the then Labour government awarded a Myplace grant of £5 million towards the scheme – but all projects given the green-light since January are now being reviewed as part of the plan to reduce the country’s debt.

The Government says no decision has yet been made over the Myplace funding and it will form part of the spending review in the autumn. But Mr Ward believes Government will see the potential the project has and release the cash.

He said: “We need to keep pressing the Government for this. This is an innovative project and I am quite confident that when the Government looks at it, it will be a scheme that needs to be delivered.”

The project to convert the former mill in Thornton Road will cost £7.38m. The centre will have 3,000 square metres of space for a rooftop events pod and cafe, climbing wall, faith pod, elevated wildflower meadow and gym.

Bernie Gahan, Culture Fusion co-ordinator for the project’s lead agency, Bradford YMCA, said: “Hundreds of young people have been involved in decision making over the past few years of developing Culture Fusion.

“Young people see this as a place that can really make a difference. Bradford’s young people have a vision and we need this money to make it happen. Any costs will be outweighed by benefits as the building will help sustain youth services.”