Work on new arts and heritage centre set to begin

Construction work to create a new arts and heritage centre over a car park in a UNESCO World Heritage Site is set to begin.

Bradford Council said the multi-million-pound facility, called The James Roberts Centre, will improve public access to a collection of artefacts and stories chronicling Saltaire's history.

The council last year approved the transfer of the Caroline Street car park in Saltaire to Shipley College, despite receiving more than 140 objects during a consultation period.

Bradford councillor Andrew Judson said the new centre is "an investment in people and in the future prosperity of the district".

Formerly known as the Community, Arts, Heritage and Future Tech Hub, the centre has been renamed after mill owner and philanthropist Sir James Roberts.

Delivered by Shipley College, the centre is predominantly funded by a £6.26m grant from the government's local regeneration fund and £200,000 from the community infrastructure levy.

It will continue Sir Titus Salt's "legacy of education", Bradford Council said, something Shipley College has "long been committed" to doing.

"The new centre builds on that commitment, creating opportunities for residents, visitors and schools to explore Saltaire's social history," the authority said.

The Saltaire Collection, made up of more than 7,000 artefacts and stories documenting the village's history, is currently stored at the college, but the council said the space is becoming increasingly unsuitable.

The centre will provide a permanent home for the collection and additional teaching spaces for the college.

A spokesperson for the project said: "The Caroline Street site has always been a place of learning and opportunity.

"By creating a new home for the collection and a welcoming space for people of all ages, we are ensuring that legacy continues long into the future."

Residents previously raised concerns about losing one of Saltaire's busiest car parks, as well as pressure on the tightly constrained village streets.

Objections also mentioned the size and appearance of the development and the potential erosion of Saltaire's protected character.

After Shipley College received planning permission to build the new facility in 2024, a petition was launched calling on the decision to be reconsidered.

It was revealed a body which advises UNESCO had raised concerns about the scheme, but the college later said those issues had been addressed in the final proposals.

Judson, executive member for economy, regeneration and planning, said: "This project is an investment in people and in the future prosperity of the district.

"High-quality education and skills provision are essential to economic growth, and the new facilities will provide Shipley College with a modern environment that supports students in developing the knowledge and experience they need for successful careers."

The councillor said the arts centre will "increase activity in Saltaire, support local businesses and strengthen the area's appeal as a place to study, work and visit".

Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.