THE owner of an established family business in Bradford has said he is “testing the water” after putting the business up for sale for almost £900,000.

Dave Shipley, who opened Q Gardens in Odsal more than 30 years ago, has said if he receives interest in taking on the multi-function business, he may sell it on and retire.

Q Gardens, which has been open since 1984, was a semi-derelict mill when Mr Shipley, 66, bought the building with a vision to turn it into multi-function bar and restaurant and sports venue.

The popular business, based in Stadium Road, Odsal, is a stone’s throw from Odsal Stadium, home of the Bradford Bulls.

It contains a sports bar, pub, restaurant, brasserie, extensive sports facilities including 11 snooker tables, two darts boards, and American and English pool tables, and also has a large beer garden, terrace and balcony. There are also a number of function rooms, including a private bar with a lounge.

The venue carries an asking price of £899,950, and is being marketed by business property advisers Christie & Co.

Mr Shipley said: “I haven’t decided that I am selling, I’m just testing the water.

“I have a number of assets and I’m deciding what is best to do with them.

“My family has run the business for many years and my daughter, who was in charge, has gone into midwifery.

“Now my family are not running it, I wondered if it was the time to sell. It’s a very good business and it is very popular with the people of Bradford.

“It would be sad to sell it, but you reach the time when you think ‘do I still want the responsibility?’.

“I haven’t made my mind up yet, but I just wanted to see what interest could be generated.”

Sam Ashton, business agent at Christie & Co, who is handling the sale, said: “Q Gardens is a unique business with multiple income streams.

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“There is huge potential to significantly grow the business, although a new owner could walk straight in to the already profitable and well-established business as is.

“The current owner is now selling to pursue retirement and a viewing would be highly recommended to appreciate the scale and potential of the business.”

Over the years, Q Gardens has hosted a number of sporting events, and is home to the Bradford snooker team, and is also a popular venue for wedding receptions, wakes and business conferences.