A state-of-the-art youth centre is seeking the support of Bradford businesses as it prepares to open later this year.

The £7.38million Culture Fusion project, which will be housed in a converted mill in Thornton Road, will include a rooftop events area and cafe, climbing wall, faith pod, elevated wildflower meadow and gym.

It will be open daily offering free health and support services, personal advisers, training and alternative education. On evenings and weekends, it will be a members-only, recreational facility.

Project workers are hoping to introduce volunteering and social enterprise opportunities for young people and are inviting business people to an “engagement event” to find out how they can help.

Behind the Culture Fusion project are a group of young designers aged 13 to 25, who have also chosen to include a performance area, music and dance studios, as well as a youth hostel for visiting groups.

The centre will be the result of a joint project led by the City of Bradford YMCA with Bradford Council, the NHS, Bradford College, the University of Bradford and the Connexions advice service.

Bernie Gahan, project co-ordinator, said “This will be a central place for young people to take part in positive activity.

“A lot of money has come into this project from outside the city showing a great deal of belief in our young people. We are now asking local business to support the future of Bradford and work with us to fund the work we and our partners are wanting to deliver.”

The Business Engagement Event will be at the Midland Hotel, Forster Square, Bradford, on Thursday, June 9, from 8.45am.

For more information, telephone Wendy Collins at Bradford YMCA on (01274) 735305.

  • Read the full story in Tuesday's T&A