Work begins on £3m health and wellbeing centre

An artist's impression of the new wellbeing centre on the site of the Old School building in Shipley

Work is under way on a multi-million-pound health and wellbeing centre in a Bradford town.

The Health, Wellbeing and Community Campus in Shipley will be funded by money from Shipley Towns Fund.

The £3m proposal to refurbish the former Old School building on Farfield Road, currently run by the Cellar Trust charity, was approved in April, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

The centre will focus on supporting vulnerable people and plans include a new atrium, communal multi-faith spaces, and "wellbeing gardens" to be used by the public.

As well as health and wellbeing services, Cellar Trust CEO Kim Shutler says the new centre will also offer early help and prevention support for all ages.

“The new centre will also serve as a hub for skills development, training and enterprise through its support for new voluntary, community and social enterprises so they can innovate, collaborate and grow," she added.

"By bringing people together, we also believe the centre will benefit other local businesses and services in Shipley.”

Adam Clerkin, chairman of Shipley Towns Fund Board, said the group was "thrilled" with the ideas.

“The Shipley Towns Fund Board is excited to see the new facility take shape over the coming months," he said.

“As a result of government funding, with full support from Bradford Council, the Cellar Trust team are delivering on their mission to improve mental health support for Shipley and beyond.”

Office and co-working space has also been set aside for health and wellbeing providers and social enterprises.

The Cellar Trust said it would continue to run from St Paul’s Road until the new centre is hopefully ready in Summer 2025.

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