Grant means work can start on Thornton Road, Bradford, project (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Grant means work can start on Thornton Road, Bradford, project

10:59am Friday 12th March 2010 in

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A dilapidated Bradford mill will be turned into a “world-class” youth centre after £5 million in funding was secured.

Culture Fusion has got the go-ahead six months after a ‘myplace’ grant was earmarked for the project by the Department for Children, Schools and Families.

Work to convert the building in Thornton Road, opposite the Wow Academy, will start in September, ahead of it opening in 2011.

A five-storey extension will be added to the original structure, which has been provided to the project’s lead agency, the Bradford YMCA, by Bradford Council.

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.

Behind the 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 and international exchanges.

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

The project will cost £7.38 million. All but £442,800 has been confirmed, including £1.44m from The Co-Location Fund.

Culture Fusion Adviser Khalid Ali, 24, said: “There was a gap for this kind of centre in Bradford because we have got such a diverse community and a large, young population. This brings everything under one roof.”

Bernie Gahan, Bradford YMCA operations manager and Culture Fusion co-ordinator, said: “No one organisation could have done this. I want to thank all partners who have helped make this happen but mostly I want to say that the young people of Bradford have been inspirational throughout. They deserve this amazing centre.”

Young people are holding a launch day in Centenary Square tomorrow from 2pm to 6pm.

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