Much-loved Victoria Hall in Bradford at risk of closure

According to the Queensbury Community Programme (QCP) group, Bradford Council plans to shut Victoria Hall in Queensbury at the start of next month - with a Labour councillor saying the cash-strapped authority intends to then sell the building.

A nursery currently operates from Victoria Hall and it is also used by a number of different community groups and clubs. 

An online petition - set up to try and prevent Victoria Hall's planned closure - has been signed by more than 1,700 people.

In a statement, QCP said it had agreed a tenancy at will with Bradford Council in December 2019 to maintain Victoria Hall.

The statement said trustees were "shocked and extremely disappointed" after being informed in November that the council plans to close Victoria Hall on January 2.

It added: "This disappointment is exacerbated given the hall was gifted to the people of Queensbury for their use, many years ago, and no reason has been offered to QCP nor the local area for the closure of the hall at a time when QCP was in negotiations with (Bradford Council) to maintain the hall for public use under the terms of a Community Asset Transfer."

Labour Councillors Alex Mitchell and Hazel Johnson, who represent Queensbury on Bradford Council, have voiced their dismay over the situation.

Cllr Mitchell said: "We are disappointed to learn the bid by QCP to take over Victoria Hall has been recommended for refusal. 

"We are further disheartened at the proposed sale of the building. 

"We understand this has come about due to the high maintenance and repair costs that the council can't afford after 13 years of cuts.

"Victoria Hall holds immense value for our residents. 

"It plays host to many community events, the youth service and Queensbury Tykes. 

"We both continue to actively engage with the portfolio holder and council officers. 

"Hazel and I are adamant that Victoria Hall should remain a community asset for the residents of Queensbury.”

Cllr Johnson added: "We have requested the business plan from QCP to assist with our lobbying efforts. 

"We want all possible options explored to prevent the closure of Victoria Hall which would profoundly affect various community groups and organisations that heavily rely on the venue for their activities and events. 

"We are aware groups have been told a date of the January 2 next year to vacate. 

"We have requested that this be pushed back to allow for discussions to continue and all options to be explored."

Bradford South Independents' Cllr Luke Majkowski, who represents Queensbury on Bradford Council, described the plans as "ludicrous" and said he had been putting pressure on the Labour-led authority to try and stop the closure.

"The residents of Queensbury will fight this to the end," he added.  

The Telegraph & Argus asked Bradford Council why it plans to close Victoria Hall on January 2 and then sell it, and how it responds to the concerns raised. 

Bradford City Hall, headquarters of Bradford Council (Image: Archive)

A spokesperson for the authority said: "The original intention was to dispose of this property some years ago as part of the development of the new swimming pool at Sedbergh. 

"Since then, the council has been working with QCP to facilitate a Community Asset Transfer of this property and during this process has been contributing to the running costs while QCP develop their business case.

"However, the heating system at the hall is now beyond economic repair and a decision on the hall's future needs to be made. 

"Like most other local authorities, Bradford Council is facing unprecedented financial pressures - consequently the council cannot continue to indefinitely support the facility. 

"We're meeting QCP to discuss their business plan in more detail but have to be clear that if it is not able to be realistically self-funding then we will have to look at disposing of the property. 

"We're aware of the strength of feeling from local councillors and the community on this and would like to stress that we've made every effort to find a sustainable long-term solution for the property and will continue to do so."