A spectacular community hub with a roof-top cafe overlooking Bradford city centre moved a step closer to becoming reality last night after the Government promised an extra £1.4 million of funding.

Children’s Secretary Ed Balls announced Bradford Council would be given the cash injection to boost plans to set up the Culture Fusion centre in a derelict mill building in Thornton Road, Bradford.

The latest funding comes on top of £5 million of Government money already committed to the £9.8 million project, which would include a six-storey climbing wall, gym, dance and music studios, IT suite and hostel accommodation for educational residential trips.

Mr Balls, announcing a £200 million funding package split across 101 projects nationwide, said: “I want these winning projects to lay down a marker, not just for their local communities but the rest of the country.”

Blueprints for the Culture Fusion project are the result of a city-wide consultation with children and young people. The derelict building set for renovation is on the site of Bradford’s first steam mill.

A partnership of voluntary sector organisations are behind the project, alongside Bradford Council, Bradford Careers Limited and lead partner Bradford YMCA.

Bernie Gahan, project co-ordinator, said: “This money would make the difference between making it happen and it not happening.

“We are quietly confident now, although we still have more money to raise, we have about 80 per cent and there are lots of smaller pots we can apply to. We just needed another large chunk.

“We did not want to do half a job, the youngsters in Bradford really want this.”

Young members of the project’s steering group were consulted on the location and name of the centre as well as on what services it should provide.

The centre would also be used for other activities including a live music venue and possibly housing support to relationship counselling.

The centre would be a safe, neutral place for young people of different backgrounds to meet.

Bradford Council Executive Member for Services to Children and Young People, Michael Kelly, said: “These world-class youth facilities are being led by young people and the intention is to have them at the heart of the build.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for our young citizens to get involved in a massive and exciting project, and to influence how it takes shape “Culture Fusion is a pioneering centre to bring young people of all backgrounds together from across the district and give them the opportunity to boost their cultural experiences.”

The council executive is set to approve the plans at a meeting later this month.

e-mail: will.kilner @telegraphandargus.co.uk