New Sustainable Community Hub for Shipley receives £2.5m grant

A £2.51m grant will see the development of an exciting new community hub in the heart of Shipley.

Two charitable organisations, the Hive and the Kirkgate Centre will work in partnership at the brand-new Shipley Sustainable Community Hub, which will be sited in the old school buildings on Kirkgate.

The Shipley Sustainable Community Hub will become a focal point for the community, offering services to tackle social isolation, promote well-being, provide activities for families and make cultural and artistic activities accessible for local residents.

There will also be opportunities for training, work experience and volunteering to support local people looking for employment. Community engagement is also being planned to highlight any particular programmes or initiatives people would like to see at the hub.

Nathan Tanswell, chair of the Kirkgate Centre said: “The building itself needs significant repairs to make it safe, comfortable and sustainable for the community of Shipley. There is a lot of work to do. Funding will enable us to do that and more, and we can’t wait to get started. This is such an exciting opportunity for Shipley.”

Joy Hart of the Hive added: “This is a great opportunity for Hive and the Kirkgate centre to work together to offer even more services and reach more people in a modernised building that the people of Shipley can be proud of.”

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s portfolio holder for regeneration, planning and transport said: “The Shipley Sustainable Community Hub is an incredible project and one that will give the local community access to a range of important services. I look forward to seeing this project develop and ultimately improve the health and wellbeing of local people.”

Adam Clerkin, chair of the Shipley Towns Fund added: “The intention is that the Kirkgate Centre building, through the custodianship of these two inspiring organisations, becomes a focal point and a catalyst for regeneration and community development.”

Work to repair and fully refurbish the building to make the facilities safe, accessible, comfortable and sustainable for the future is due to finish in Summer 2024.

By Mark Adair – Correspondent, Bdaily

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