TRIBUTES have been pouring in for Graham Hall, the man behind Bradford's Sunbridgewells development.

The £1.9 million underground complex, off Centenary Square and built underneath Sunbridge Road, Upper Millergate and Ivegate, officially opened in December 2016.

After news of his death was announced on the Sunbridgewells Facebook page yesterday (Tuesday), people praised Mr Hall for being an "asset to Bradford" and having a "vision" that left a "legacy" for the city.

Wallers Brewery, which is in Sunbridgewells, posted a video showing a seat at the bar they have reserved for Graham along with a pint, a burning candle and the message "Reserved Graham Hall 1968-2022". 

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Graham HallGraham Hall (Image: UGC)

A spokesperson for Wallers said: "Graham was a regular in the bar and that was his spot. He didn't sit anywhere else.

"Graham was Wallers and Wallers was Graham. If it wasn't for Graham, Wallers wouldn't exist.

"Sunbridgewells was his last baby. He did a lot in his time."

Another tribute came from former Lord Mayor of Bradford, Geoff Reid, who was mayor when Sunbridgewells opened.

He said: “Graham was a wonderful combination of friendliness and eccentricity. He was brilliant at making visitors feel welcome and one of those people who rapidly came to seem as if he had been a city centre character for ages, even though had only been open since our civic year in 2016-2017.

"Chris and I got to know Sunbridgewells before and after the opening but even when much of it still looked like a building site we couldn’t help becoming enthusiastic advocates for the project and telling people that they would have to go and see it once it was open to the public.

"Graham was a one-off and a great asset to Bradford, exploiting echoes of one of the poshest towns in the south of England.

"Before the year is out I suspect there will be many a glass raised in his memory by grateful Bradfordians."

Jonny Noble, manager of Bradford BID, tweeted: "Very sad news that Graham from Sunbridgewells has passed away. I remember him showing me around infilled tunnels and a complete building site describing every inch of what was to come and he had a vision that’s for sure and he delivered! RIP Graham - you’ve earned it!"

One person said: "Condolences to his family and friends. I spoke to him on the night the tunnels opened, and I had been for a look around about a year before. What a legacy to leave, and long may it continue."

Another said: "My sincere condolences to his family. Graham Hall was a great man and a visionary. What a legacy he has left. Rest in peace."

One wellwisher said: "So sad to hear this. Graham made a massive contribution to Bradford with his vision, passion and knowledge. Bradford will be a poorer place without him. Thoughts are with his family."

Another added: "RIP Graham Hall. Thank you for giving us Sunbridgewells, the Jewel in Bradford's Crown."

Another person said: "Very sad news. Graham has left us a great legacy though. My sincere condolences to his family."

 

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