AN arts centre will reopen during the summer of 2025 in a “landmark moment” for Bradford’s City of Culture year.
Work has now started on Kala Sangam’s multi-million-pound refurbishment that will see the city centre arts hub re-named Bradford Arts Centre.
When work is completed, the centre, based in St Peter’s House in Little Germany, will have a new 200-seat theatre, five new dance studios and facilities that will be much more accessible.
A section of the building will also become the permanent home for BCB Radio.
The work, funded by Government’s Department for Culture, Media and Sports and the National Lottery, is being carried out by York-based Simpson as the main contractor.
The company has recently worked on other projects including work at York Art Gallery, Hull Maritime Museum and Durham Cathedral.
The Grade II-listed St Peter’s House was built as a Post Office in the 1880s and was also home to a museum before Kala Sangam moved in back in 2007.
Much of the centre’s space was based on the upper floors of the building, limiting space and making access difficult for people with mobility problems.
The refurbishment of the building will open much more space in the iconic building and the introduction of a new entrance, two new lifts and a dedicated Changing Places facility will ensure the building is fully accessible for the first time in its 140-year history.
The arts organisation has now announced: “The building is scheduled to reopen as Bradford Arts Centre in summer 2025, as a landmark moment in Bradford’s year as UK City of Culture.”
Jas Athwal DL, chair of Kala Sangam said, ‘After many years of planning, we are delighted that work has finally started to transform our home at St Peter’s House into a fully accessible space, ready to welcome artists, audiences, our local communities and businesses in 2025 as Bradford Arts Centre.
“I would like to thank our funders – the Department of Culture Media and Sport and Arts Council England, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, The Garfield Weston Foundation and Bradford Metropolitan District Council – for supporting the redevelopment.
“Bradford is desperately in need of more space to create and enjoy arts and culture, and this redevelopment will ensure our building is a more open, welcoming and inclusive venue that the whole district can enjoy.”
Andy Gattenby from Simpson said: “This is an exciting time for the city ahead of Bradford being the City of Culture for 2025 and one that Simpson are proud to be a part of.”
During the redevelopment, Kala Sangam will be based at Bank House in central Bradford. This temporary home houses two studio spaces.
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