New conference venue to open in Bradford (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Action for Business to officially launch new centre

6:10pm Saturday 18th June 2011 in News

ABL chief executive Jenny Pupius

The opening of a £500,000 conference venue will also mark the 15th anniversary of a successful Bradford business centre.

Action for Business, the Manningham-based social enterprise, will officially open its refurbished conference facilities at the Carlisle Business Centre later this month.

ABL chief executive Jenny Pupius said money had been invested in the space, which has been used for events ranging from conferences to belly dancing, to provide an upgraded venue to meet more sophisticated needs of event organisers.

She said: “Our newly-refurbished conference centre must be one of the best facilities in Bradford.

“It provides local businesses and the surrounding community with a first-rate conference venue. As well as targeting businesses, we’re keen to promote our excellent facilities for a wide range of daytime, evening and weekend events.”

The project has literally raised the roof at Carlisle Business Centre, with the hall’s suspended ceiling being removed to reveal an apex roof providing natural light.

The new centre also includes electronically operated roller blinds, improved audio-visual equipment and lighting.

The main hall will seat up to 200 people, but the space can be split for smaller events.

The business centre’s cafe has been completely refurbished.

The project was funded through a grant and loan, from Community Builders, which helps community organisations like ABL.

Bradford contractors were used on the project, including architects the Chris Eyres Partnership, quantity surveyors the Michael Eyres Partnership and builders Whittaker & Leach.

The official opening on Wednesday, June 29, will be performed by the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Naveda Ikram.