A £103,000 community centre aimed at reaching 4,000 disadvantaged youngsters in Bradford opens its doors next month.

The Shape Centre could also create ten jobs if they get the go-ahead to double up as a Pupil Referral Unit by Bradford Council. It is opening despite building work being hit by vandals who stole copper piping from the facility.

Social enterprise SHAPE UK, which stands for Sport, Health, Academia, Project and Endeavours, created the community centre, housed in a disused mill, with backing from Bradford Council and West Yorkshire Police.

The centre, at 298 Thornton Road, has also been hit by flooding, but will open next month, a year after the creation plan was devised.

Naz Hussain, SHAPE UK’s project co-ordinator, said that the centre hoped to reach those youths at risk of crime, drug abuse and anti social behaviour by offering them support sessions and rehabilitation programmes.

Cash for the project came from the Council, West Yorkshire Police’s Proceeds of Crime Fund and various voluntary organisations.

Mr Hussain said: “We had to have extensive roof repairs and finally put the finishing touches this week. It has been very hectic.”

Yorkshire Building Society has also helped with the building. Inspector Steve Dodds, from Manningham and Toller Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “This is something that gives young people in Bradford West a link to activities and gives the opportunity to officers to go down and encourage breaking down traditional barriers and engaging with young people.”